PM addresses nation on combating COVID-19

Published By : Admin | March 19, 2020 | 20:01 IST
Exercise restraint by staying at home and not stepping out as much as possible during the Coronavirus pandemic: PM urges citizens
All citizens must follow 'Janta Curfew' on 22nd March, from 7 AM to 9 PM: PM Modi
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Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed the nation on combating the challenge of COVID-19. On the occasion of ‘Navratra’, Prime Minister made nine requests to the people.

Prime Minister said that patience and resolve of all Indians  is vital in fighting the global pandemic which has wreaked havoc all over the world. He requested citizens to follow certain measures to ensure the containment of the fast spreading virus. He emphasized on the importance of not taking the pandemic lightly and the need to be aware and proactive towards prevention of COVID-19.

Prime Minister urged citizens to follow the mantra of “when we are healthy, the world is healthy”. He stressed on the importance of following self imposed norms like ‘social distancing’. Requesting citizens to patiently abide by the norm, he urged the need to isolate oneself and come out of the house only if imperative, while trying to work from home and avoid unnecessary travel. He also urged that senior citizens above the age of 60 should not come out of their homes for the coming few weeks. Highlighting the stress on the hospitals, he urged everyone to avoid routine check ups during this time and to extend the date of surgeries scheduled, wherever feasible.

‘Janta Curfew’

Prime Minister urged citizens to follow the concept of  ‘Janta Curfew’ on 22 March, 2020 from 7 AM to 9 PM, wherein no one apart from those involved with essential services is supposed to venture out of home. He said that the success of such a people’s movement and the experiences gained from it will prepare us for the challenges ahead. He added that our efforts on March 22, would be a symbol of our self restraint and determination to perform duty in the national interest.

Urging the state governments to take the lead, Prime Minister asked all youth organizations including NCC and NSS, civil societies to generate awareness among people about the ‘Janta Curfew’. He urged everyone to try to inform at least ten other people over phone about this self imposed curfew.

Thanking the selfless service providers

Prime Minister said that there are many brave people who are in the forefront of fighting the COVID-19 pandemic like medical staff, police, government servants, airline staff, media persons, bus/train/auto operators and those involved in providing home delivery. 

To pay respects to their huge service to the nation during such trying times, Prime Minister suggested that on March 22 at 5 PM, all citizens should acknowledge and salute their efforts by standing in the balconies and at the doors of their houses and clap or ring bells for five minutes as a show of appreciation .

He urged the local government across the country to indicate the timing through blaring out a siren at 5 PM.

Meeting the Economic Challenges

To deal with the economic challenges caused by the pandemic, Prime Minister announced the creation of ‘COVID-19 Economic Response Task Force’ under the Union Finance Minister. The Task Force will consult stakeholders, take feedback, on the basis of which decisions will be taken to meet the challenges. The Task Force will also ensure implementation of the decisions taken to meet these challenges. 

Prime Minister also urged the business community and higher income groups to look after the economic needs of those from lower income groups, from whom they take various services, urging them not to cut their salary on the days they are unable to render the services due to inability to come to the workplace. He stressed on the importance of humanity during such times.

He also assured the countrymen that there would not be any shortage of essential items like food, milk, medicines etc. He urged people to not resort to panic buying.

Prime Minister exhorted everyone to work together and contribute fully to overcome the crisis of COVID-19. He urged the citizens not to fall prey to misinformation. Prime Minister said that  during the time of such a global pandemic, it is important to ensure that ‘humanity wins and India wins’. 

 

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Prime Minister condoles the passing of iconic and versatile singer Asha Bhosle Ji
April 12, 2026
PM highlights her extraordinary musical journey and timeless brilliance

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today expressed deep sadness over the passing of Asha Bhosle Ji, acknowledging her as one of the most iconic and versatile voices India has ever known.

The Prime Minister remarked that her extraordinary musical journey, which spanned decades, enriched the nation's cultural heritage and touched countless hearts across the world. Shri Modi noted that whether through her soulful melodies or vibrant compositions, her voice carried a timeless brilliance, adding that he will always cherish the interactions he had with her.

The Prime Minister extended his heartfelt condolences to her family, admirers, and music lovers. Shri Modi observed that she will continue to inspire generations and her songs will forever echo in people’s lives.

The Prime Minister wrote on X:

"Deeply saddened by the passing of Asha Bhosle Ji, one of the most iconic and versatile voices India has ever known. Her extraordinary musical journey, spanning decades, enriched our cultural heritage and touched countless hearts across the world. Be it her soulful melodies or vibrant compositions, her voice carried timeless brilliance. I’ll always cherish the interactions I’ve had with her.
My condolences to her family, admirers and music lovers. She will continue to inspire generations and her songs will forever echo in people’s lives."

“भारतातील सर्वात ख्यातनाम आणि अष्टपैलू आवाजांपैकी एक असलेल्या आशा भोसले जी यांच्या निधनाने अतिशय दुःख झाले. त्यांच्या अनेक दशकांच्या अद्वितीय संगीत प्रवासाने आपल्या सांस्कृतिक वारशाला समृद्ध केले आणि जगभरातील असंख्य लोकांच्या मनाला स्पर्श केला. भावपूर्ण गीतांपासून ते जोशपूर्ण संगीत रचनांपर्यंत, त्यांच्या आवाजात कालातीत तेज होते. त्यांच्याशी झालेल्या संवादांच्या आठवणी मी सदैव जपून ठेवेन. त्यांच्या कुटुंबीयांना, चाहत्यांना आणि संगीतप्रेमींना माझ्या भावपूर्ण संवेदना. त्या पुढील पिढ्यांना प्रेरणा देत राहतील आणि त्यांची गाणी सदैव लोकांच्या आयुष्यात गुंजत राहतील.”