Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his address to the nation on 14th April announced that in the wake of challenges thrown by COVID-19, the nationwide lockdown will be extended till 3rd May 2020 to fight the coronavirus pandemic. India’s three-week lockdown was to end at midnight of 14th April,2020. 

In a half-hour televised address to the nation, Modi, however, held out hope that from next Monday, there will be phased relaxation of the lockdown in districts where COVID-19 cases have been contained or are of lesser magnitude. 

Modi asserted that India’s fight against the Corona global pandemic is moving ahead with great strength and steadfastness. While praising the citizens for their continued co-operation in fighting out this lethal virus, Modi with folded hands and profound modesty opined that it was only because of the people’s restraint, penance and sacrifice that, India has so far been able to avert major harm caused by Corona to a large extent. No doubt, people have endured immense suffering to save the country and thereby save India. On economic front lock-down undoubtedly may have looked as a costly measue; but measured against the lives of Indian citizens, this has no comparison. The path that India chose keeping in view its population and limited resources, has become a topic of discussion and appreciation in the entire world today. 

Mr. Modi in his address to the nation laid stress upon seven commandments to be followed by every citizen of the country. Among other things he exhorted the people to take special care of the elderly in their homes, especially those who have some chronic disease. ‘We have to take extra care of them and keep them safe from Coronavirus’ he stressed. 

While highlighting the need of social distancing, Prime-Minster urged his countrymen to take as much care of the poor families as one could. ‘Provide these poor and helpless with food and other requirements.’ Modi stressed. Again, the Prime-Minister made a fervent appeal to employers and factory-owners not to deprive their workers and employees of their livelihood. ‘Be compassionate towards the people who work with you in your business or industry etc.’ Lastly, pay utmost respect to our nation’s Corona Warriors: our doctors and nurses, sanitation workers and police force etc. 

“Friends, I urge you to follow the rules of lockdown with utmost sincerity until 3rd May. Stay wherever you are, Stay safe.” Modi appealed. 

The diboalic Corona

The diabolic Corona virus is creating havoc all around the world. Nations hit by this pandemic have declared lockdowns to save the lives of their countrymen. Every human being under the sun is virtually imprisoned or caged and only birds are flying in the sky! 

Government of India is taking all necessary steps to ensure that we are prepared well to face the challenge and threat posed by the growing pandemic of COVID 19 – the Corona Virus. With active support of the people of India, we have been largely able to contain the spread of the Virus in our country. The most important factor in preventing the spread of the Virus locally is to empower the citizens with the right information and taking precautions as per the advisories being issued by Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. In these frightening and uncertain times, the utmost need of the hour is to abide by the directive issued by the competent authorities from time to time. Any breach can lead the entire country to untold misery. 

To abide by citizen-social-code to overpower this notorious Corona virus, following instructions need to be followed strictly and rigorously: Wash your hands with soap regularly and thoroughly. If possible clean your hands with an alcohol-based sanitizer. Wash them for at least 20 seconds every time. 

Practise social distancing. Social distancing is a form of infection prevention that involves avoiding contact between those who are already infected with a disease that could spread further. This measure could, eventually, lead to decrease in spread of the disease. Avoid going to public gatherings and crowded places. Maintain at least 3 feet distance while speaking to anyone who is coughing or sneezing. Avoid touching your face and eyes unnecessarily. In the course of the day, your hands touch various metal, steel, glass, wood and cloth surfaces. God forbid, if they were contaminated, your hands could transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. 

If you have fever, cough and difficulty in breathing, seek medical attention immediately. This will allow your doctor to quickly direct you to the right health facility. 

Last but not the least, If you have a travel history, stay at home. Watch if you begin to feel unwell, even with mild symptoms such as headache and slight runny nose, avoid contact with others and seek medical advice immediately. Timely medical care will help protect you and your family and thus make your precious life dear to you. 

Having said that staying at home for indefinite period under the constant threat of fatal Corona should be making life both monotonous and challenging. These are, however, testing times. The entire humanity is put to test and our endurance is at stake. Passing our time should not pose a problem at all. People are taking different measures to spend their time in the wake of these sudden and uncalled for lock downs.Reading books, listening to music, watching old/new movies, inquiring about the welfare of our friends and relatives more especially relatives belonging to older generation, playing cards and other indoor games can very well keep us engaged and eventually this Corona syndrome will pass off peacefully if not willingly and cheerfully. 

My grandson Shaurya is with me here in Alwar these days. He enjoys playing chess with me and thus both of us take care of each other to pass off the time so easily. Playing with him make me nostalgic and I go down to my memory lane when I used to play Chess so passionately and regularly with my own colleagues. Needless to say that during Eighties I used to be Secretary ‘Alwar District Chess Association.’ 

I must have played around twenty games with Shauriya during this lockdown period so far. He is convinced that his grandfather is by far superior to him in this Art. That is why he sometimes asks me so cutely and innocently that when would he be able to become a Chess-player like me? I simply pat him with a fond smile. Little does my grandson know that every game and for that matter every professional Art calls for a long-drawn-out practice and dedication, devotion and commitment. I am, however, confident that his passion for the game will surely make him a big player one day. God bless Shauriya.