तमसो मा ज्योतिर्गमय। Modi's appeal resonates Vedic couplet-- “Lead us from unreal to real, from darkness to light, from death to immortality.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to the nation to spread light for nine minutes April 5 evoked a mixed response. 

While the call to light diyas and candles was praised by many, including political leaders and celebrities and sportstars, there have been some who slammed Modi too.


Soni Razdan: Some will mock the PM for saying light a diya. Many will think it’s a masterstroke. I say it’s a great way of coming together as a community when we’re feeling alone & scared. And what could be wrong with that? Think of those all alone right now. Let those that like it light it !

Sanjay Raut, Shiv Sena: When people were asked to clap , they crowded the roads and beat drums , I just hope now they don't burn down their own houses , sir 'diya to jalalenge ' but please tell us what the government is doing to improve condition"


Citizen Chandra Lekha: This is not the time to criticize each and everything...extraordinary efforts are being taken by central and state governments all over the country. This is a diya for Asha and Ekta of 130 crores..to induce some calmness some positive energy in to them that no one is alone ..we all are together...its a fantastic idea".

Rahul Gandhi: India is simply not testing enough to fight the #Covid19 virus. Making people clap & shining torches in the sky isn't going to solve the problem.

"On Sunday, we must challenge Coronavirus & introduce it to power of light; 1.3 bn people must show united power, at 9 pm for 9 min, by turning off all lights at home, standing at balconies, & lighting diyas etc: PM Modi



Father Savarimuthu Sankar, Spokesperson of the archdiocese of Delhi---

“Prime minister’s address is certainly a moral boosting at this difficult times because it show that we are all one and have to fight this pandemic collectively else we may not be successful. His address is one way of reminding people that together we can archive the goal and at the same time showing the solidarity with the people who lost their near and dear ones.
“Certainly there are many issues to be address like migrant workers sufferings, after the
lockdown there is a increase of domestic violence and many more issues but Prime Minister’s
urgent and foremost subject is to remind people that we are one and have to fight it together else it will be too late.

Modi’s first priorities at this time is health of the people, how to save them from this crises and

reach to each and everyone.

Shashi Tharoor, Congress:  Modi’s address had no road map "to ease people's pain, their burdens, their financial anxieties. No vision of the future or sharing the issues he is weighing in deciding about the post-lockdown. Just a feel-good moment curated by India’s Photo-Op Prime Minister!" 

Joseph Dias, general secretary of the Mumbai-based Catholic Secular Forum---

“More than lighting the candle and lamps, the need of the hour is to concentrate on how we

could help the people who are facing hunger and disease, the plight of the migrant workers who

were the worst affected. Idea of lighting the lamps and candles are fine but it should have been a

symbolic for 2-3 minutes, 9 minutes is bit too long because with this we may not achieve

anything, we should be practical. It is like paying to the God for his help and blessing but doing

nothing to get rid of the problem.”.

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Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had a telephonic conversation today with H.E. Donald Trump, President of United States of America. The two leaders exchanged views on the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the global well-being and economy.

The Prime Minister conveyed deep condolences for the loss of lives in the United States, and his prayers for early recovery of those still suffering from the disease.

Stressing the special relationship between the two countries, the Prime Minister reiterated India’s solidarity with the USA in overcoming this global crisis together. The two leaders agreed to deploy the full strength of the India – US partnership to resolutely and effectively combat COVID-19.

The Prime Minister and the US President exchanged notes on the respective steps taken in each country for mitigating the health and economic impacts of the pandemic.

The two leaders also touched upon the significance of practices such as Yoga and Ayurveda (traditional Indian herbal medicine practice) for ensuring physical and mental well-being in these difficult times.

They agreed that their officials would remain in close touch with respect to the global COVID-19 crisis.