We have been conditioned to be terrified of TV addresses to the nation at 8 PM in India. When such an address was announced for 8 PM on 19th March 2020, all sorts of rumours started to fly. Some said that all of India would be sprayed with a chemical from helicopters. Some said that a complete lockdown would be announced for all citizens. Needless to say there was much alarmism and panic buying happening. Turns out the 8 PM address was reasonably innocuous; mostly it was about the #JantaCurfew, taali and thaali:
Turns out, the main highlight of the speech was an appeal to citizens to observe voluntary curfew on Sunday. There was also a call to offer a round of applause (much as was done in Spain and Italy) to medical professionals, sanitation workers. These and others such as military personnel work tireless to keep us safe, literally putting their lives on the line.
Many celebrities expressed approval and soon #JantaCerfew was trending.
Celebrities from Bollywood were, in particular, very appreciative of the call for citizens to observe a curfew and resolved to support this initiative fully.
The support has been widespread; even cutting across political divides.
People are on board with the suggestions of the PM and are happy to observe self-imposed curfew on Sunday, 22 March 2020.
People are happy to do what they can to defeat the Coronavirus pandemic.
This tweet refers to the recent occurrence involving a central minister saying ‘Go Corona Go’ at some public gathering.
This is being seen as appropriate and timely action taken to stem the tide of a deadly contagion that has claimed thousands of lives all over the world.
This message first sent out by a healthcare professional quickly went viral and also received support from this sand artist.
Citizens can express their appreciation at 5 PM on Sunday by clapping or like this. Some are practicing for this.
As someone who works from home, my days haven’t changed much. Many others have similar things to say.
Others find it difficult to be confined to their homes; away from the social whirl.
Some would have preferred a bit of clarity on the matter. They also pointed out that not everyone has a balcony – in fact, it is safe to say that a majority of Indians live in houses without balconies.
For some, the speech fell well below expectation; they felt it was more tokenism than an actual action plan. People were expecting the announcements of isolation facilities, a proper quarantine plan, economic stimulus, increase of testing facilities, food distribution systems, and improved medical facilities.
Medical and healthcare professionals had expectation of other announcements that would improve and speed up healthcare delivery systems. They promised to clap for the PM if these aspects were facilitated for the healthcare sector.
And in a good way! The country is coming together to fight a common enemy; united in a bid to fight against COVID-19 while transcending meaningless divides. It will probably also teach us better hygiene and get us thinking about living more sustainable lives.
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