People need to show sympathy and cooperation with those in isolation and self-quarantine; says PM.
Posted On: 29 MAR 2020 4:02PM by PIB Delhi
“Many
soldiers fighting the Coronavirus are not in the confines of their
homes but outside their homes. These are our front line
soldiers-especially our brothers and sisters on duty as nurses, doctors
and paramedical staff. I spoke to some of them to express my gratitude
for their service and to keep their zeal going. Their sincerity and
commitment also helps me in keeping up my spirits ”
Prime
Minister Narendra Modi has said that social distancing is the most
effective way of fighting against COVID-19 and by complying with the
lockdown, people can protect themselves.
Sharing
his thoughts in the 10th edition of the Mann Ki Baat 2.0 today, Mr Modi
said, “Everyone has to protect themselves and their families and for
the next many days, they have to abide by the Lakshman Rekha. The
determination and restraint of each Indian will help in facing the
crisis.”
Mr
Modi called upon the global community to join hands in the resolve to
exterminate this virus which poses a threat to annihilate the human
race.
“Corona
virus has incarcerated the world. It is posing a challenge to
Knowledge, science, the rich and the poor, the strong and the weak
alike. It is not confined to any nation's borders, nor does it make
distinction of region or season. This virus has, in a way, obstinately
picked up the gauntlet to annihilate the human race. And that is why
humankind will have to rise unitedly, in the resolve to exterminate it”,
he said.
The
Prime Minister said, in order to battle Coronavirus in a country with
130 crore people, there was no other option but to go for lockdown. He
emphasized that the fight against Coronavirus is between life and death
and that is why such strong measures had to be resorted to. Mr Modi
said, looking at the way the world is going through, this was the only
way left. He said, safety of people has to be ensured.
Mr.
Modi said, those breaking the rules during the lockdown in the wake of
COVID-19 are playing with their lives. He made it clear that those who
do not comply with the lockdown rule should understand that it will be
difficult to save ourselves from the scourge of the Coronavirus.
The
Prime Minister said, ”The world over, many people nursed this delusion
and all of them are regretting it now. Since the battle against corona
is unprecedented as well as challenging, the decisions being taken
during this time are unheard of in the history of the world”.
The
Prime Minister told that the steps being taken by Indians to stop the
spread of corona and the efforts being made, will ensure that India
conquers the pandemic.
Mr
Modi said, “Our sympathy for the poor should also be far greater. Our
humanity stems from the fact that whenever we see a poor or hungry
person, we first try and feed him or her in this time of crisis”.
He
said, we should think of their needs and India can do it as it is part
of its values and culture. The Prime Minister cited an adage which
means, an illness and its scourge should be nipped in the bud itself.
However, when it becomes incurable its treatment is very difficult. He
said, every Indian is doing just that these days.
The
Prime Minister said, corona virus has incarcerated the world and it is
posing a challenge to knowledge, science, the rich and the poor, the
strong and the weak alike across the continents and that is the reason
why he has confined to this issue in this edition of Mann Ki baat.
Mr
Modi extended a heartfelt apology to all countrymen and said he
strongly feels from the core of his heart that the people will forgive
him because he had to take certain decisions may be resulting in myriad
hardships. He specially mentioned the underprivileged brothers and
sisters and said, he fully understands what they are going through.
Citing another adage, he said good health is the greatest fortune and
health is the only way to happiness in the world.
The
Prime Minister said, in this war, there are many soldiers who are
fighting the Corona virus, not in the confines of their homes but
outside their homes.
He
said, “these are our front line soldiers especially the brothers and
sisters on duty as nurses, doctors and paramedical staff who have
defeated corona virus”.
The
Prime Minister shared his conversations on phone with some of those
engaged in the fight against CIVID-19 boosting their zeal, in turn
raising his own enthusiasm as well and said he has learnt a lot from
them.
The Prime Minister said, all these people are persevering to the best extent possible to chase out this scourge.
“What they tell us is not just for us to listen to and it is to be practised in life in the truest spirit” he said.
Prime Minister also praised the selfless spirit of the Nurses and other medical staff.
“India
has been able to fight a battle on such a massive scale, only because
of the zeal and grit of frontline warriors like doctors, nurses,
paramedics, Aasha, ANM workers, sanitation workers. The country is also
concerned about their health and hence the government has announced a
health insurance cover of upto 50 lakhs rupees for nearly 20 lakhs
colleagues from these fields so that in this battle, they can lead the
country with greater self-confidence” he said.
He
praised the small retail storekeeper in the neighbourhood, the drivers
and workers, who are working ceaselessly, so that the nation's supply
chain of essential goods is not disrupted. Mr Modi said, those working
in the banking sector are leading us in this fight. He told that many
people are engaged with e-commerce companies as delivery personnel and
are delivering groceries in these testing times.
The
Prime Minister expressed gratitude to the people who are enabling the
people to watch uninterrupted television and making digital payments
with ease. He requested them to follow all the safety precautions, take
care of themselves and their family members.
The
Prime Minister said, people need to understand that in the current
circumstances, we need to ensure social distance, not human or emotional
distance.
He
said, he was pained to see that some of those quarantined are being
stigmatised and ill-treated. He appreciated those who have quarantined
themselves to protect other people from getting infected.
The
Prime Minister said, social distancing is the most effective way of
fighting against coronavirus. He again appealed to the countrymen to
stay at home, be careful and safe in order to win this battle.
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