PM Narendra Modi’s appeal to turn off the light and lit either a candle or earthen lamp at 9 PM for 9 minutes on Sunday, got support from the nationwide people. Several sports personalities urged people to show solidarity and also participate in the initiative.
The initiative took a wrong turn in some parts of the nation, as people stepped outside their houses and started to burst crackers. Team India’s fiery opener, Rohit Sharma who also lit candles with his wife Ritika urged such people to stay indoors with a sarcastic tweet.
Rohit tweeted, “Stay indoors India, don’t go out on the streets celebrating. World Cup is still some time away.”
Apart from Rohit Sharma, several other former and current cricketers like Sachin Tendulkar, Harbhajan Singh, Virat Kohli, also lit diyas and candles to honor the efforts of the healthcare staff who are on their toes 24/7 to combat the spread of the virus and treating the ones infected by it.
Sachin 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.”
The former Indian spin bowler, Harbhajan Singh also participated in the initiative. He tweeted, “There is always a light at the end of every tunnel.. together we stand for better tomorrow.. God bless us all.”
In an attempt to reduce coronavirus spread, the government has imposed a complete 21-day lockdown across the country which will end on April 14.