Millions of families across India heeded to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s request on Sunday lit diyas and candles to show unity in the battle against novel coronavirus. PM Modi asked everyone to switch off lights and light lamps, diyas or torches for nine minutes on Sunday at 9 pm to commemorate the nation’s fight against the coronavirus pandemic.
Renowned personalities from the Indian film industry including Rajinikanth, Amitabh Bachchan, Madhuri Dixit-NeneDeepika Padukone, Akshay Kumar, Virat Kohli, Anushka Sharma, Alia Bhatt, Janhvi Kapoor, Randeep Hooda and Ranveer Singh on Sunday lit candles and lamps responding to the PM’s appeal.
Amitabh Bachchan, on his Twitter account, posted a series of pictures of him flashing a torch, and posted his father Harivansh Rai Bachchan’s poem’s titled “Hai Andheri Raat Par Diva Jalana Kab Mana Hai.” He further wrote, “How visionary it has proven tonight.. for the #9PM9minute call.”
Actor Anushka Sharma shared a picture of her lighting a lamp, along with cricketer-husband Kohli and wrote how she has prayed every day since “the turn of the recent events across the world.”
“I have prayed to God to end the suffering of so many who are losing their lives without their families beside them, for the less fortunate and the needy whose lives have turned upside down completely, for all the healthcare professionals who are working tirelessly and bravely to protect the lives of other beings.
“For those who are uncertain about their jobs and future. So tonight, I prayed extra for everyone and I lit diyas with the whole of India and we all prayed for each other. Prayers never go in vain,” she added.
Sharing a picture with his wife Latha, superstar Rajinikanth also tweeted, “#StayHomeStaySafe #Solidarity #Unity #IndiaFightsCoronavirus.”
On the other side, India’s sports fraternity also joined the country in showing solidarity in the fight against the rapidly-spreading COVID-19 pandemic by lighting lamps.
From Sachin Tendulkar, six-time world champion boxer MC Mary Kom, sprinter Hima Das, Rio Olympics bronze medallist wrestler Sakshi Malik, ace shuttler winner Saina Nehwal, cricketers including Virender Sehwag, Kohli, Ravichandran Ashwin, Suresh Raina and many others took to social media to express their unity.
Cricket legend Tendulkar tweeted, “My family & I thank the selfless #SanitationWarriors cleaning our surroundings & hospitals, disinfecting affected areas & thus keeping the virus at bay. Let’s also reignite our pledge to take care of our elders, the most vulnerable - by ensuring their physical & mental wellness.”