Fight against Coronavirus is people-driven, Says PM Modi

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, April 26, 2020: Addressing nation through 63rd episode of ’Mann Ki Baat’, on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India’s fight against coronavirus was people-driven.  This "people driven" fight against the virus would be "discussed in the future", he said, adding "I bow down to you all". The Prime Minister also acknowledged the contribution of the state governments, saying, "They have played a very active role".

"City or a village, everywhere we can see people involved in the fight against the pandemic. While some are feeding the poor, others are selling land to raise money for this fight, yet others are contributing their pension," PM Modi said in his monthly radio address Mann ki Baat today.

The  country has so far recorded 1,990 coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours - its biggest single-day spike so far - taking the total to 26,496, Of this, 824 patients have died, data from the Union Health Ministry shows.

On April 14, the Prime Minister had announced an extension of the lockdown. On the occasion, he had also applauded the people’s "restraint, penance and sacrifice".

He had also made it clear that the state governments had pressed for an extension of the lockdown.

"The state governments of the country have also acted with great responsibility in this, managing the situation round the clock... I have been in continuous touch with the states on how the fight against Corona should progress in India. Everyone has suggested that the lockdown should be continued. Many states have in fact already decided and declared to continue the lockdown," he had said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi throws light on how the coronavirus pandemic has changed celebrations around festivals. He says, "Today we are celebrating Akshay Tritiya, which reminds us that no matter how trying times be, we will keep fighting. The month of Ramzan has begun. Last time during Ramzan we never imagined that something like this will happen. We have to be more resilient and reserved during this Ramzan so that we can celebrate Eid when it comes."

In his closing Mann Ki Baat speech, Prime Minister Narendra Modi pushes for more vigilance from citizens and encourages people to maintain social distancing. "We should not be overconfident. We should not presume that COVID-19 will not enter our homes, offices and colonies. We have to stay vigilant. We should ensure that we are never negligent. I appeal to you again. ’Do gajj doori, haut hai Zaroori, (Two meter distance is of utmost importance)," PM Modi says.