On his radio program ‘Mann Ki Baat’, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked people to observe Ramzan as a symbol of restraint, sensitivity, and service with the nation grappling with the novel coronavirus outbreak that has already claimed over 800 lives.
In the weekly program where he addresses the nation, Modi pitched for social distancing at the time of Ramzan. He said,
“The last time when Ramzan was celebrated, no one had imagined that we would be facing such a predicament this time around. But now that this trouble has come to plague the world, it gives us an opportunity to mark this Ramzan as an icon of restraint, goodwill, sensitivity, and service.”
He urged the community to pray more this time around in a hope that the coronavirus pandemic would end before the celebration of Eid. He wished that Eid would be celebrated in the same enthusiasm as it has been done over the years. He also expressed confidence that during the month of Ramzan, India will adhere to the guidelines and continue its fight against the virus. Applauding Muslim clerics and leaders who have appealed people to maintain social distancing, the Prime Minister said,
“It is still very important to follow the rules of physical distancing in the streets, in the markets, and in the mohallas or colonies. Today, I also express my gratitude to all those community leaders who are making people aware of the two-yard distancing and not going out of their houses.”
Don’t be overconfident, says PM
The Prime Minister also warned against the over-confidence of the people that the virus will not infect them if it hasn’t reached their locality. Stressing the need to be cautious, the Prime Minister asked people to follow the guidelines even if the virus hasn’t reached their village or cities. He warned people against that ‘mistake’.
Reciting a Sanskrit shloka that said fire, debt, and illness, if taken lightly, assume dangerous proportions, he cited the examples of the nation where caution was not maintained that resulted in paying a heavy price. Reiterating the fact that the fight against coronavirus is people-driven, he urged the youth of the nation to come forward and showcase the power of Ayurveda to the world like the way yoga has done in the recent past.
Source: The Times of India
