With ringing of bells, beating of metal plates and clapping, people across the country on Sunday evening expressed appreciation for medical and other staff who are on the frontline of the battle against the Coronavirus.
IMAGE: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh with his wife and other staffers participates in the exercise to express gratitude to those providing essential services amid coronavirus pandemic. Photograph: ANI
The clanging sounds rang in the air as the clock struck five and people came out in balconies, lawns and terrace following an appeal by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to show solidarity with doctors, nurses and others involved in providing essential services, as the country observed an unprecedented ‘Janta Curfew’ to check the spread of the virus.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reminded people to express their gratitude towards those who have been at the forefront of combating coronavirus and extending essential services without fearing for their safety.
‘Do remember, 5 pm this evening for 5 minutes…Be on your terraces, balconies or windows to express gratitude to all those who are working 24/7 so that our nation becomes free from COVID-19,’ Modi had tweeted.
In his address to the nation on Thursday, he had lauded the hard work of medical professionals, sanitation staff, airline crews, delivery persons and media personnel among others.
Modi had asked people to express gratitude to them by giving a five-minute standing ovation at 5 pm on Sunday by clapping, beating plates or ringing bells.
On PM’s call, the country is observing ‘Janta curfew’, or a self-imposed home isolation by all citizens, on Sunday between 7 am and 9 pm.
