During Mann Ki Baat PM Narendra Modi made two appeals to people of India – one, to wear face masks as a precaution in the times to come and two, to avoid spitting in public places. Both the measures, PM Modi said would help India fight against Coronavirus pandemic.
“In the changed paradigm due to Coronavirus, masks are becoming a part of our lives. We were never used to seeing so many people around us in masks, but we are now getting used to that reality. However, it does not mean that all those wearing a mask are sick.”
PM Modi further added, “when I talk of masks, I am reminded of something. You might also remember this. There was a time when in many parts of our country, if we saw someone buying fruits in our neighbourhood, we would enquire about their health. So – buying fruits meant illness. That was the notion back then. But times have changed and this paradigm too has shifted.Similarly, we are going to see a change in attitude towards masks as well.”
PM Modi said that masks will become a symbol of cultured society. “If you want to save yourself and others from disease, you will have to wear a mask. My simple suggestion to everyone is to use a Gamchha or a towel to cover the face.”
PM Modi also pointed out to another important issue of spitting in public places. He said that it was the best time that spitting be stopped and doing so would help contain Coronavirus from spreading.
He said, “Another awareness that has come about in our society is that people now understand the damage that can be caused by spitting in public places. It had been a part of our bad habits that we would spit just about anywhere. This presents a serious challenge both to cleanliness and to health.”
‘Better late than never’, said PM Modi urging people not to spit in public and eradicate the bad habit completely. He said doing so would not only boost our basic hygiene levels, but also help in preventing the spread of the Corona infection.
