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.”.

26 more found corona virus positive in Maharashtra; state tally jumps to 661

NO of cases rise to 32 in Bihar.National COVID-19 death toll rises to 77, Total cases climb to 3,374

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.

Lockdown Drama: Video Conferencing with Generation Next

(Humour)

This piece is dedicated to my Maa; who loved playing affectionately with little kids ! And taught them some traditional values.

No amount of thanksgiving and acknowledgement will be enough if I do not refer to my mom here. She died on November 10, 2019 post-mid night, to be specific Nov 11 around 3 am !
Success does not come easily to writers of my calibre ! 

Mom used to say, Children and Failures often teach you the most - something that cannot be learnt in any university. Mother would remain my best teacher especially with traditional values. But she was someone with whom I would later argue the most. For her part, she had complaints on my disorderly clutter of books and clothes etc. But I always cherished writing and she knew about it. 

At a time when video conferencing is the ‘fashion’ and all are indoors, I undertook this marathon exercise with younger children led by daughter Tanvi and her gang of cousins.

Participants were Tanvi Dev in Delhi, Anku and Ashie from Kolkata, Adi from Mumbai, Tirtho, Tanishta and Surjangshu  from Kamalpur and Arartrik also designated as Junior Journo from Bilonia.

Here we go with the excerpts, but no part of it can be copied or transmitted without verbal permission from the blogger and all participants.

Anchor, Niren Dev: To start with, I am throwing the debate open. What is all happening around Corona Virus ? What Modi is doing? What Donald Trump is not doing and what Chinese President Xi Jinping should have done? Let me start with Junior Journo as he is the ‘youngest’ at heart and has fresh ideas!

Junior Journo (Junior Manu): Thank you Mr Pishon, hope Boro Pishi is doing her job well and keeping you under control. She belongs to my Bongsho, you know!

Anchor: Let us come back to the subject.

Junior Journo: Oh yes, I was just making some courtesy remarks. My Pakhi says....
Tanvi: Oh no, not again ! This guy will derail the entire debate.

Somewhere in South India

Junior Journo: Hmm no no. Not at all. I am from Bilonia ! boe boe....(Sit and hold on in Noakhali). My point is Corona virus is somewhat exaggerated. Now that it is here, we have to face it. In other words, the issue is not only about Corona ! Many people in Tripura are confusing it with Karuna – thinking God has shown ‘karuna’(Mercy) to Modiji and saved him from anti-CAA and Shaheen Bagh.

Ashie: Arey, what is this fellow saying?

Tirtho: Boe Boe...

Junior Journo: Ha ha. Mr Shah is getting into Noakhali form. Come on dada. Be sporty....My mom has Noakhali style and she sounds so cool, ask our anchor – Boro Pishon, Moot point is the issue is not only about Corona virus. Corona is actually only an excuse ! At best it is a tool. Real issue on the table is economic and social control and who is trying it out this time !!

Anku: Well, he seemed to have little confused. I do not blame him. People of his generation will be more dangerous than ours. They think, they are more than a decade ahead of  us ! Actually, they are not. This is real Whatsapp generation for you. Look at Adi or Ashie !

Adi: Are we discussing all about Whatsapp...oh no !!

Anku: Now, that’s another one...It is like saying there is a monkey and the fellow takes up all juice around. The real debate is, are we doing enough to fight Corona virus.

Ashie: Aaap na Didi, thoda kam bolo. Kindly speak little less !

Anku: Now, what is this? Is this the way civilised people debate?

Tanvi: What civilised? This is unfair, but anyway make your point.

Anku: What I want to say is that has India able to deal with the challenge. In some ways, India has done well and the virus has not spread much. There is stiff resistance power. Indian Masala Jeera powder, Haldi...all these also help.

Grounded Young Leaders

Adi: What is this? Hello, this is not cooking class. Credit should go to the Modi government and their good works. The virus would have spread had we not taken right steps from beginning.

Tirtho: What right steps....beating those Thalis...and all virus have disappeared.
Adi: Well, this is typical Baam Panthi – Communist argument.
Junior Journo: Well, if you all talk about Baam Panthi....I know it pretty well. It is in my blood man...I mean father side. Mama-r baari is anti-Left. Therefore, Lal maney Bipod.

Surjangshu : What red is dangerous? This is not true. I am the eldest son of new generation in my Khandan. We all are red meaning pro Left. Communists would have handled the crisis very well. Manik Dadu or Sitaram Uncle would have told the Chinese please do not send the virus towards. But what to do – Modi government is communal. Corona virus was bound to come

Tanishta: This is going too far. All immature people are talking. They only know questioning Modi Sarkar. What about questioning the liberal media? Our health issues and preparedness never got reported. And today when Corona virus has hit, everyone is talking about mask, medical equipment. India has big time health issues.

Tanvi: True. Health is wealth. Why don’t these young guys be made to write five sentences with the word ‘health’. My father always bothered me with these.

Junior Journo: See, Didi giri is in action.

Ashie: No ! Real Didi giri is in Mamata-land. No good hospital. Rain coats are being given to doctors and everyone is eating Rasogolla and Sandesh. Mishthi Chhara naki Bangali bachbey na ! My mother is right – Pindi chatkano etc etc !

Anku: Stop making those gestures with your nose. Corona virus is not talking about rabbits and crocodiles in Fridge.

Tanvi: Again, this is not fair again. Why you and your Mamu have to be so much concerned about her nose. Ashie is very smart. But that is mot important.  Important point is why Nizamuddin meet took place?

Tanishta: Well. This is precisely the point.

Surjangshu : See, you cannot get communal dealing with health issue. My point is yesterday everyone said Terrorism is real threat. Today you all are saying – corona is real threat.

Junior Journo: Actually, there is no contrast in saying so. Let us be practical and try to understand the real issue. And the Real issue is terrorism is a short term matter...Real threat comes from China. But communists face double problem.

Junior Journo: Sonali 'nandan'

Ashie: Double problem, how?

Anku: Arey this is not basket ball.

Tanvi: Kucch bhi !!

Tanishta: Kuch bhi kita go, Di (what do you mean)?

Tirtho: Boe, Boe. Real issue is everyone wants to blame China and everyone wants to blame Muslims.

Surjangshu : This is interesting. The debate is coming in its proper shape.

Tirtho: Arey Talkative Khandan !! My baba and Mesho are right. OMG, my Maa will not like this.

Tanvi: I think, what is really an issue today is for some parties in India – like Baam panthis ....they cannot criticise communists China and they cannot criticise Muslims. So ...
Surjangshu: So, you have beating the Thalis.

Surjangshu with two important people 

Anku: Oh no. It is not about Thalis or conchshells. Modiji is cleverly trying to avoid real debate and keeping the country engaged. 9 O’ Clock nine minutes lamp show is one such attempt. He is master in using these Hindu rituals and the spiritual drama.

Adi: But he is doing well with these. Modi hae toh Mumkin hae. But veg. hae. Chicken nahi. Siliguri Hotel hi achha tha !

Tanvi: What hotel? He wants to play in the hotel room yet again. Very smart. Quiz Master.

Adi: Didi aapko ek cheez denge ! I mean, my point is look at diplomacy, Prime Minister Modi is talking to keep all important international leaders engaged. He is talking to Shinzo Abe, Trump, Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia etc etc. But when we talk about Bengali sweet, do not forget in Kerala, communist government wanted to supply liquor to alcoholics.

Junior Journo: That was really funny ! People are eating Sandesh and taking alcohol. But look at me, I have still to taste Daaler Bara and Dhekhi Shakh.

Tanvi: Hmmm...Yummy na !

Tirtho: Arey come to the point. Pakhi has spoiled these people.

Junior Journo: Important point is we have new threat in the form of corona virus and it will leave economy in shambles. There is already joblessness. In Tripura, even teachers lost jobs.

Tirtho: Change the subject. Ha ha !!

Junior Journo: Boe, Boe ! Your Mom must be angry !

Tanvi: I think what he means is that 9/11 was a major challenge. But that terrible terror attack came due to mistake of one country and one generation. We do not want another 9/11. But Corona is more dangerous

Anku: Very true. And I tell you no one wants to live with that burden...Anyways, Where is our anchor? And how long is his daari ??

Gang of Three Metroes: Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi

141 new cases in Delhi in one day: Thanks to Tablighi Jamaat

World Bank approved USD 1-billion emergency financing for India to tackle the coronavirus outbreak, which has claimed 76 lives and infected 2,500 others in the country.

The World Bank's first set of aid projects, amounting to USD 1.9 billion, will assist 25 countries.

The largest chunk of the emergency financial assistance has gone to India -- USD 1 billion.

"In India, USD 1 billion emergency financing will support better screening, contact tracing, and laboratory diagnostics; procure personal protective equipment; and set up new isolation wards," the World Bank said after its Board of Executive Directors approved the first set of emergency support operations for developing countries around the world, using a dedicated, fast-track facility for COVID-19 response.

World Bank also approved USD 200 million for Pakistan, USD 100 million for Afghanistan, USD 7.3 million for Maldives and USD 128.6 million for Sri Lanka.

There will be a strong poverty alleviation focus in these operations.

Lockdown Musings : Will the little bird in neighbourhood tell something new?

In this silent evening, travelling birds get lost on the way. On the way to its destination....... the little bird wants to tell me something. – This line is from rough translation of popular Bengali song ‘Nijhum o Sandhaye’ and perhaps it has a relevance as India is ‘locked-down’ for straight 21 days since March 25.

Staying indoors, your’s truly blogger is also faced with the predicament and boredom and hence this piece!

But writing something personal from the inner call is certainly not an easy proposition at these challenging times. My thoughts get moving from one end to the other. Should I pen some readable stuff for young children, should there be humour or a general political piece broadly guided by the advertisement tag of LIC – ‘Ghar me rahiye...Surakshit rahiye’.

Blogger 

Well, countrymen and women know it pretty well – Staying Home is Staying Safe as the ‘unseen’ corona virus – which should have been named Wuhan virus – continues to spread.

Do I sound emotional?

Russians, it is said, generally keep their emotions under lock and key and display them only when they deal with relatives and that too on special occasions. I am not a Russian and have no fascination for some of the communist falsehoods also! 

Now, talking about humour one gets lost as the generation next is something soon getting out of our grip perhaps in more ways than one!!

Younger generation and their fashion statement always left me baffled. Perhaps couple of decades back there used to be Jeans (pant) worn by young ladies and it used to have words ‘Look Here’ written on the back. The emerging whatsapp generation is more updated. They can soon replace the alphabet ‘L’ with another alphabet – a, b, c, d, e or F...and concoct the word or pronunciation to their choice.

Are they not capable of these antics? And anyone opposing them could be easily dismissed as ‘old fashioned’.

Next my thoughts revolved around mythological prowess as two epic serials ‘Ramayan’ and ‘Mahabharat’ returned on Doordarshan - DD Bharati to be précised.

But thinking about mythology and the likes of Lord Krishna, one thought of glancing through the book ‘Krsna’ penned by A C Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. 

Keeping the entire matters in the context of global concern about the pandemic – one notes the line “Final Death is inevitable”.

Yes, of course – the fear about corona virus is all about Death. Then are we exaggerating all these fears about the unseen virus and death associated with it. I am not at all trying to demean the efforts to control the virus from spreading and immense sacrifice being made by millions of corona virus.

The book ‘Krsna’ further raises a vital question: “Why then should you be so much afraid of death?”

 There is yet another oneliner – “You may die either today or in a hundred years, you cannot avoid death....Actually, death means annihilation of the present body”. 

But we are all mortals and hence the fear and there is nothing to be apologetic about. The same oriental philosophy teaches that life is a duty, and hence to discharge that ‘duty’ you need to live.

The global scare is definitely not unwarranted. It is not one of those PJs --- hmmmm? Did not get it? My wife cannot understand this. My daughter knows it – pretty well – Pakau Jokes ! This is also the Delhi phenomenon.

Now coning to Delhi, everybody in the town is talking about Nizamuddin meet – the infamous Evangelical congregation of Muslims – ostensibly to popularise Islam.

This congregation was really unwarranted. Did somewhere down the line, the Modi Sarkar has gone ‘defensive’ as the anti-CAA agitation and Shaheen Bagh protest had left its adverse impact. PM Modi is also ambitious and wants to win a Nobel prize, may be. So he is perhaps reluctant to continue to get the tag of being ‘anti-Muslim’.

There is often a debate on the merits of Chinese communism and liberal democracy in India, however faulty the latter might be. It is generally accepted that communist China has provided its citizens with better health services and more food and clothes than democracy has done in India.

With its often callous approach to citizens' welfare and high political sensitivity, Indian democracy fails to inject elements of self-discipline and social regulation. Indian social behaviour always remains the totality of ignorance, insensitivity, poverty and arrogance.

This blogger is no exception ! At least my wife would readily agree about all four elements about me – Ignorance, Insensitivity, Poverty and Arrogance.

My daughter Tanvi and her cousins would add a refrain - 'Gussa', the anger !!

That Dawn will come certainly

ends

In Mamata Banerjee-ruled West Bengal, a unique order was issued by the state government allowing sale/take aways of sweets ! 

In Kerala, the CPI-M led LDF government initiated a move to deliver alcohol that is liquor to the homes of alcoholics during ongoing 21-day long Covid-19 lockdown.

Thankfully, the Kerala High Court has ordered against the state government's initiative.

PM Modi's spiritual appeal against Wuhan virus/ Covid-19 fetch criticism

Prime Minister Modi’s April 3 video message to the nation said the lighting of a lamp symbolizes that "we have to move towards the light from the darkness created by the coronavirus."

"No force is stronger than our spirit and enthusiasm," he said as positive Covid-19 cases in India spiraled to 2,543, claiming 72 lives.

Modi on Friday sought to keep the nation engaged and united in its battle royale against the unseen corona virus and urged citizens to lit lamps for nine minutes at 9 pm (2100 hours) on April 5, Sunday.

But the appeal has not enthused opposition parties with a Congress leader Shashi Tharoor calling the entire episode as a "photo opportunity" by the Prime Minister with "no vision" post the lockdown that ends by mid-April.

Prime Minister's message came a day after he held marathon round of video conferences with the Chief Ministers wherein they discussed about exit strategy from the lockdown that was enforced by him since March 25.

"We have to move towards light from the darkness created by coronavirus," Prime Minister said in his video message.
The challenges before the Indian authorities in the war against the virus that has left an adverse fallout globally increased manifold after a large number of Muslim clerics and international participants met in Delhi last month in total violation of social distancing norms.
There has been sudden spurt in the cases of corona virus positive impact after it came to light that those who attended the meet in New Delhi had gone to various parts of the country.
In Delhi alone, on Thursday there was a sudden spurt in such cases.
According to officials, the figure of COVID-19 cases on Wednesday in Delhi was 152 but the number shot up to 293 cases by Thursday evening. Among them as many as 182 people are those who took part in the religious congregation of Tablighi Jamaat. There were similar instances of increase in number of cases in other states too.
In southern state of Tamil Nadu, there have been 75 new cases -- mostly linked to Tablighi Jamaat, and the total number in the state rose to 309 - at the second spot behind 416 of Maharashtra.
Earlier, another southern state Kerala was at the second spot.
From Telangana at least 1000 Muslims had attended the meet and the state has seen at least six deaths of those due to corona virus.
Prime Minister, however, did not make any mention of the Tablighi Jamaat, which is also seen as a culmination of administrative lapses.
A total of 2,943 people, including 1,810 from the Markaz, have been quarantined, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said. Over 21,000 people have been also directed for self-quarantine at their homes.
He appealed to Delhiites to stay indoors and adhere to the norms of 21-day lockdown.
The Delhi Fire Service personnel disinfected the venue where the meeting of Muslim clerics took place.
The Markaz has emerged as a hotspot of coronavirus cases in Delhi.
Delhi police has booked Maulana Saad Kandhalvi, the head of the Nizamuddin Markaz, who is still absconding.
Maulana Saad said in an audio clip on Thursday said the pandemic is the "result of sins we humans have been committing".
The Delhi Police have also identified and quarantined 275 foreign nationals, who have been staying in various mosques in the city after attending the Jamaat's congregation.

Four members of Tablighi Jamaat, including three foreigners were tested positive for coronavirus in Madhya Pradesh.

In Maharashtra, cops have registered cases against trustees of a madrasa and a mosque in Mumbra for giving 'shelter' to Bangladeshi and Malaysian nationals who had visited congregation of the Tablighi Jamaat.
In his video message - third such national broadcast since March 19 all dedicated to corona fight, the Prime Minister said that people displayed unprecedented discipline and a sense of service during the ongoing 21-day straight nationwide corona virus lockdown that started on March 25.

Congress lawmaker Shashi Tharoor flayed Prime Minister's video message saying it showed no road map "to ease people's pain".
"Listened to the Pradhan Showman. Nothing about how 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!," he
tweeted.
Joseph Dias, general secretary of the Mumbai-based Catholic Secular Forum, told UCAN
“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".
Prime Minister's appeal is "like paying to the God for his help and blessing but doing nothing to get rid of the problem". he said.

Father Savarimuthu Sankar, spokesperson of the archdiocese of Delhi, however said “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".
"Modi's address is one way of reminding people that together we can achieve 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," he also hastened to add.

Lt Governor of Puducherry, Kiran Bedi, a famed woman and a former cop, welcomed Prime Minister's call for lighting lamps saying 'alone-together' will be a key weapon to fight the virus.

"9 PM for 9 Minutes on April 5 th, switch off all lights and light a lamp... Says our @PMOIndia. He has given us the weapon to Breakthechain  #AloneTogether to kill the devil of #coronavirus," she tweeted.

Some net savvy citizens quickly took to the Twitter and hailed the Prime Minister's appeal for lighting the lamps in unity.

"Nice idea to unite family, ward ,village, district state and nation. We stand united," one of them wrote.

A baffling Evangelical meet of Muslim clerics: ....the unseen virus continues to spread

Hindu organisations and even individuals have accused a Muslim evangelical event of turning New Delhi into a hotbed of coronavirus infection.

Will this snowball the debate into a Hindu-Muslim warcry?

Millions of Indians find themselves at high risk of getting afflicted by the fatal corona virus 

as a Muslim-dominated Nizamuddin West region in the national capital has emerged as 

a hotspot for organising a three-day mass Muslim evangelical event in March.

Residents of a colony in Delhi's Tughlakabad raised concerns of their safety after 167 people evacuated from 

the coronavirus-hotspot Tablighi Jamaat centre at Nizamuddin were quarantined at a nearby makeshift facility.

Officials said adequate steps are being taken to ensure safety and security of the people.

Government authorities, officials in the autonomous commissions and socio-political 

organisations including a few known for Hindu fundamentalism and overzealous anti-Muslim stance

have blasted the organisers of Tablighi Jamaat, a global Islamic missionary movement.

National Commission for Minorities chief Syed Ghayorul Hasan Rizvi said "strict action" should be taken against those 

responsible and directed all 29 states/provinces to ensure strict compliance of the lockdown at Madrasas, educational

institutes run by Muslim clerics and other religious places.

The influential Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has described the Nizamuddin meet as 'corona factory' and demanded

that "the Muslim society itself should come forward and close with immediate effect all the Mosques in India those are still open".

"A Corona infected deceased must be mandatorily cremated irrespective of religious affiliation to stop the spread of

corona infection".

Six people, Maulana Saad, Dr Zeeshan, Mufti Shehzad, M. Saifi, Younus, and Mohd Salman have been named in the FIR in the case. Incidentally, police say it took four to five days to vacate the place. 

Worse, what has baffled many is that despite efforts from Delhi police, Maulana Saad, head of Nizamuddin Markaz, had

refused to vacate the Banglewali Masjid and finally no less than Prime Minister Narendra Modi's trusted Man Friday 

National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval was ordered to reach out to the Maulana at around 2.00 am on March 28-29 

night at the markaz.

The number of COVID-19 cases across the country increased by 375 in last 24 hours to 1,637.

The nationwide death toll rose to 38, according to federal Health Ministry.

There have been six fresh deaths in Maharashtra and also one more from Kerala and two from Telengana.

About 1000 from Telangana visited Delhi and attended the highly controversial meet.

The Health Ministry said 154 new positive cases of the disease have been reported due to the transit-related history 

of those who attended the Tablighi Jamaat congregation.

Till April 1 late evening, the casualty figure in Maharashtra rose to 9. Other death figures include Gujarat (6), Karnataka (3) Madhya Pradesh (3), Punjab (3), Telangana (3), Delhi (2), West Bengal (2), Jammu and Kashmir (2) and Kerala (2).

However, the Markaz has issued a statement and tried to explain that it had "compelling circumstances" to accommodate the "stranded visitors (the participants at the congregation) with prescribed medical precautions" as Prime Minister Narendra Modi

on night of March 24 "suddenly" announced the three-weeks nationwide lockdown.

As the issue is gradually snowballing into a communal Hindu-Muslim warcry, a prominent Christian leader A C Michael

has sought to downplay the 'characteristic anti-Muslim angle' on the issue and says: "....police which was empowered 

with special powers have failed in their responsibility but I would not like to blame a religion for a human error.”

“Sadly, currently we have people in power who likes show Minorities, especially Muslims in bad

light — given a chance they will not waste time to declare them “terrorists," he told UCAN News. 

So far the number of those likely to have affected by corona virus for attending the Nizamuddin meet

have shot up in most states.

From Telangana, there were at least 1000 attendees to the meet. All 107 people from Madhya Pradesh

who attended the congregation were identified and quarantined. 

The number of coronavirus cases in western state of Maharashtra increased by 33 within a day to 335.

As many as six patients died taking the death toll in the state with sizeable Muslim population to 16.

There were reports that a number of Muslims from places like Ahmednagar and Nashik had attended

the Nizamuddin congregation.

In Prime Minister Modi's native state of Gujarat, that saw intense anti-Muslim carnage in 2002, it was reported that 

at least 1500 people from Gujarat were present in Nizamuddin.

In southern state of Tamil Nadu also numbers have gone up. State Health Secretary said as many as 110 people 

who attended Tablighi Jamaat congregation in Delhi did test positive for coronavirus.

A Muslim leader Muhammad Arif, chairman of the Center for Harmony and Peace, Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh,

says: "Supporters of the ruling BJP-led riotous crowds in Delhi in the month of February. When the opposition leaders

were warning about the danger of impending pandemic due to Covid-19 in early February, the

central government was mocking them".

Panic spread across the country including in far-flung north east and states such as Nagaland with negligible Muslim

population as reports went viral that some citizens from such places also attended the now infamous Tablighi Jamaat event

at NIzamuddin in Delhi.

Two people from Nagaland's commercial town Dimapur too reportedly attended the meet. A panic driven

district administration on March 31 ordered total bandh for next three days by stating in an order that 

"all shops, commercial and private establishments shall remain closed" from April 1 (0600 hours)

to 12 mid-night of April 3. 

In Delhi, another locality with substantial Musim citizens - the Dilshad Garden - too had multiple

positive cases.

Health department officials say a woman with a travel history to Saudi Arabia tested positive for corona virus.

In fact two of her relatives also reportedly got infected. 

Sources said the woman also came in contact with a mohalla' clinic doctor in Maujpur, who has been also infected with the disease. 

COVID cases cross 1000 mark, Migration, economic woes make fighting virus difficult

Migrants labour movement and impending economic problems have added to the challenges before the authorities in India in their battle against COVID19. 

A large number of people have started moving out from Delhi and adjoining areas of Noida and started moving towards smaller
places and their respective native places increasing the fear of spread of the fatal virus in densely populated rural areas.

The federal Health ministry have revealed on Sunday evening that total number of coronavirus cases in India rose to 1,024 and these include 27 casualties. 

India is locked down since March 24-25 midnight for 21 days and authorities are gradually resorting to harsher measures to ensure 
people stay indoors and so that the necessary precautionary measure 'social distancing' is maintained. 
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday through a radio broadcast sought the nation's forgiveness for imposing the lockdown

"I am sure you will forgive me that you had to undergo so much trouble. You had to undergo problems but there is no other way out to fight the coronavirus....But this is a battle for life and death."

Though there is general welcome from social organisations and political parties including church leaders and bodies for the mandatory lock down, there has been criticism too on the ground that the government has been caught 'unprepared' for dealing with the threat to life posed by coronavirus.

"Regrettably, unpreparedness has been the hallmark of the Modi government since the first case that tested positive was known on January 30. ....Only 12,000 tests per day were being done, casting a cloud on the number reported to be infected," wrote senior Congress leader and a former Home Minister, P Chidambaram, in an article in 'The Indian Express'.
As the federal government, police and state authorities faced multiple challenges including the movement of migrant labourers
from urban hubs to rural pockets and smaller hamlets, a report from business chamber FICCI drew a gloomy picture of Indian
economy.

- Large scale shutdown of factories and resulting delay in supply of goods from China have affected many Indian manufacturing sectors. Sectors like automobiles, pharmaceuticals, electronics, chemical products etc. are facing an imminent raw material and component shortage.
Besides having a negative impact on imports of important raw materials, the slowdown in manufacturing activity in China and other markets of Asia, Europe and the US is impacting India’s exports to these countries as well, the report said.

The government of India on Sunday announced setting up of as many as 11 empowered groups to suggest measures 

to improve healthcare mechanism, put the economy back on track and reduce misery of common people.

These empowered panels of senior officials and experts will work to draw out integrated response to COVID-19 and will report and work under guidance of P K Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, officials said.

The Department of Expenditure under Finance Ministry has issued special instructions to enable expeditious decision making in procurement matters, an official communique said.

Special emphasis will have to be laid on welfare schemes for the poor, it has been underlined as
these sections have faced the direct brunt of lockdown on account of acute employment problem.

Thus, the poor and vulnerable sections of the society are the key focus of the government.

Out of 1.3 billion Indians, a sizeable number sleep for example on pavements in cities or in railway stations and temple sheds in rural areas and smaller towns.

State authorities including in West Bengal, instructions have been issued to every district to make adequate arrangements of temporary shelters for the poor people and migrant workers.

A large number of labourers, who have been uprooted from Delhi and other states and reached underdeveloped state of Uttar Pradesh in northern India on Sunday said shortage of food and money had forced them to resort to this 'reverse migration'
to their homes.

A large number of people have been moving towards smaller towns like Kanpur, Ballia, Varanasi, Gorakhpur, Azamgarh, Ayodhya, Basti, Pratapgarh, Sultanpur, Amethi, Gonda, Etawah and Bahraich --- the places from where generally people of
all socio-economic and caste background otherwise migrate to cities like Delhi and Mumbai looking for greener pastures.

Incidentally, some observers and critics are comparing Prime Minister's announcement of 21-day lockdown with
demonetisation of high value currency that was ordered for over a month in November 2016 and that had played havoc
with country's economy and common people's lives.

"Narendra Modi government takes pride in airlifting stranded Indians from Wuhan, Iran and Italy during COVID crisis
and earlier also during other catastrophes, but no planning was on sight for poor and lower middle class Indians
who have gone jobless and virtually shelterless due to lockdown," lamented Vidyarthi Kumar, a newspaper columnist.

Bishnu Thapa, a social worker in East Delhi says, "The central and the Prime Minister should have ensured that nobody goes hungry. Authorities should have organised community kitchens so that those who do no have money or case can survive the lockdown period".

No wonder in his monthly radio broadcast on Sunday, March 29, Prime Minister sounded candid and to an extent
admitting the limitation of a government intervention to deal with the crisis without people's cooperation.

"For the next many days, you have to continue displaying this patience; abide by the Lakshman Rekha (self imposed restrictions). But there are some who are violating norms since they are not trying to understand the gravity of the matter. 
.....The world over, many people nursed this delusion….all of them are regretting now. Friends, we are familiar with our adage “Aarogyam Param Bhagyam, Swasthyam Sarwaarth Sadhanam” -which means good health is the greatest fortune."

If the fight against COVID19 has just begun, so has the woes of the Prime Minister and his embattled government like the world over.

India officially has 1.77 million homeless people. How will they quarantine themselves at home?

Circumstances can be often cruel and ruthless whereas the sentimentality could be different and emotive. This is the dichotomy staring at India today as Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a 21-day long complete lockdown in order to fight the coronavirus virus.

Political decisions can often be ruthless and are rarely sympathetic. But in times of an emergency, such categorizations may defy logic. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decision to shut down India was such an emergency decision.

Modi gave just a four-hour notice to India's 1.3 billion people to shut down all public activities and stay inside their homes for 21 days, starting from midnight of March 24, to help fight the spread of coronavirus. Police are on the streets to implement the complete shutdown of India.

The decisive step came as positive cases of infection reached 536, with 10 deaths. The government aims to arrest "community spread" of the virus among densely populated towns and cities where the spread of the virus could spell disaster.

Anyone breaking the three-week lockdown by just coming out of their homes could be punished up to two years in jail. The stringent measures, let us hope, will check the spread of the disease.

Photo: Federal.com

However, there are some nagging questions. India officially has 1.77 million homeless people. They sleep on the sidewalks or in rail or bus stations. Where will they go to home quarantine themselves? How will the state check the spread of the virus among them?

An estimated 23 percent of Indians or some 276 million people live on less than 100 rupees (US1.25) a day. They live below the poverty line, not having enough to have a full meal a day. The majority of these people are daily laborers, such as those who work in wayside restaurants or as rickshaw pullers. When they cannot work for 21 days straight, how are they expected to feed themselves and their families?

India has a workforce of 400 million people, roughly one third of its population. However, only about 10 percent of them enjoy the benefits of a fixed salary. In other words, 360 million people depend on their daily engagement to put food on the plates for their families, each having four people on average.

They include countless housemaids, millions of faceless farmhands, unskilled laborers on construction sites, contract laborers like masons, carpenters, roadside vendors and India's noted chai-wala or roadside tea sellers, which Modi claimed to be as a teenager.

People, in general, appreciate the prime minister's intention. But the poor lament the fact that their government spared no thought for their survival in such a lockdown, which stopped work of all sorts for three weeks.

"You have to remember that life is more important than anything else and survival is the key ... One can conquer only if he has life," Modi said, using stylish Hindi and sounding helpless about the impact of the killer disease.

If Indians cannot handle these 21 days of lockdown, "you will set your families and the country 21 years behind," he warned.

The lockdown, done for the survival of all Indians, now threatens the survival of millions of poor people. Opposition parties are asking the government to find ways to help the poor and ensure ordinary people have enough supplies of food and water.

"We ask Prime Minister Modi with folded hands not to leave thousands of common people and poor people to their fate," opposition Congress party leader Randeep Singh Surjewala said. He said the lockdown should have come with some government support to the poor who survive on daily earnings.

Former finance minister and Congress party leader P. Chidambaram tweeted that he is "certain the PM understands the urgency of announcing a financial package and putting cash in the pockets of the poor."

He said Modi's announcement had left him with a "mix of emotions — relief, vindication, frustration, disappointment." If people cannot even step out of their homes, "how are farmers going to harvest their crops beginning April 1?"

The official measure of poverty in India is Rs 33 in urban areas and Rs 27 in rural pockets.

Studies have revealed that Muslims, formerly called low caste untouchables, casual and unorganized sectors workers in urban hubs and faceless farmers fall under the category of poorest Indians.

Prime Minister's lockdown announcement did not seem to have taken care of these communities.

"We understand the importance of healthcare and life in view of coronavirus. But how can we survive without public exposure ? We live from hands to mouth and PM's announcement has taken away my hands," protests Jeetan Nai, a barber in East Delhi.

Similar would be the fate of countless housemaids and other helping hands.

Of course, one of them said here that Primer Minister has said in his radioand televised speech on March 20 that all house maids and such menial workers would have to be given their entire months salary for sustenance.

However, skepticism remains.

"Some people are kind hearted and will pay us, more so as the Prime Minister has said so. But in India and especially in Delhi, some households have different approach to poor people and life. They are all self seeking and may not pay us," laments Kamli kumari, an helping hand.

File snap: Godhra, Gujarat 

In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 29, he highlighted the plight of the poor and called for steps other than the lockdowns announced by India and some developed nations to tackle the deadly disease.

"It is critical for us to understand that India's conditions are unique. We will be required to take different steps from other large countries who are following a total lockdown strategy," Gandhi wrote.

"The number of poor people who are dependent on a daily income is simply too large for us to unilaterally shut down all economic activity. We must immediately strengthen the social safety net and use every public resource we have to support and shelter the working poor."

STAY INDOORS, STAY SAFE : Modi orders 21-day India lockdown, violation can result in two-year imprisonment

Pompeo "stressed that this is not the time to spread disinformation and outlandish rumours, but rather a time for all nations to come together to fight this common threat," the department added.

"It might be US army who brought the epidemic to Wuhan. Be transparent! Make public your data! US owe us an explanation," tweeted Zhao, who is known for his provocative statements on social media.

While Covid-19 -- the disease caused by the virus -- has largely come under control in China, it has killed more than 7,000 people around the world and severely disrupted daily life in Western countries.

There was a refreshing change in Indian political atmosphere on Tuesday, March 24 evening as principal opposition Congress and parties such as the DMK backed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decision to announce three-week long complete nationwide lockdown to fight the coronavirus menace.

'Koi Road Par Na Nikle' (No one should come out on roads), he said in his second national address within a week.

Amid folded hands --- more than once, Prime Minister sought support of citizens and said this was the only way to fight the disease. 

Chinese envoy trolled on Twitter, Wang Yi flays 'stigmatising' China on Corona


Prime Minister Narendra Modi has ordered a complete 21-day lockdown across India from Tuesday (March 24) midnight,
asserting this is the only 'ray of light' in the midst of highly vulnerable challenging times posed by constant rise
in cases of coronavirus positive test.

A federal Home Ministry order issued immediately after PM's address said any person who refuses to comply with the directions of authorities (on COVID-19) shall on 'conviction' "be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year or withfine or with both and if such obstructions or refusal to comply with directions results in loss of lives or imminent danger thereof,shall on conviction be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years".

Modi's call to the nation to remain indoors is intended to protect the lives of hundreds of people and their families from the "agony of the damage" caused by coronavirus, Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa said.


"Not only me, every 6.5 crore Kannadigas are with the prime minister and his intentions to protect the people from coronavirus," Yediyurappa said.

Rajasthan Chief Minister and senior Congress Ashok Gehlot, known for enjoying good rapport with Rahul Gandhi, supported the prime minister's call for a 21-day lockdown.


"I am happy that Rajasthan was the first state to declare a complete lockdown. I support Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement of a 21-day lockdown. Together we must fight it and defeat it," Gehlot said in a tweet.

Reviewing the lockdown situation with all the district collectors and superintendents of police, Gehlot said that coronavirus infection can be avoided only through social distancing.

####

The announcement of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for 21-day nationwide lockdown from Tuesday midnight in view of the coronavirus threat led to panic-buying of essential items in many parts of the national capital.


The prime minister appealed to people not to panic, saying thronging shops will pose the risk of spread of COVID-19.

"There is absolutely no need to panic; the Centre and states will work together to ensure availability of essential commodities, medicines, etc," he said.


However, people had to plan for 21 days and fearing rise in prices of the commodities queued up in front of grocery stores, vegetable vendors and chemist outlets.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has issued guidelines to be followed during the 21-day complete lockdown, assuring that fair price shops and those dealing with food, groceries, fruits, vegetables, dairy, meat, fish, animal fodder will remain open.

Dense crowds were also seen outside medicine shops in the city.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday, March 24, held talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell Fontelles on the coronavirus pandemic.

In a telephonic conversation, Jaishankar assured Fontelles of India's "fullest support" in the return of EU citizens from India.

The Chinese foreign minister said China is confident that India can handle and win the battle against COVID-19.

"During a phone call with EAM Dr. Jaishankar today, State Councilor and FM Wang Yi expressed sympathy and solidarity with India in the fight against COVID-19. China is ready to share our experience, provide assistance within our capacity and open its channel for procurement to India." Chinese Ambassador to India Sun Weidong tweeted after Jaishankar and Wang Yi's telephonic conversation.

Wang Yi also told Jaishankar that China and India should support each other and jointly safeguard global public health, according to the Chinese Ambassador to India.

"Jaishankar thanked China for its sympathy message and assistance of medical materials to India," he noted.

Wang Yi said it is detrimental to international cooperation to label the virus and stigmatise China. He hoped that India would oppose such "narrow mindset".

US President Donald Trump has been repeatedly calling the novel coronavirus as a "Chinese virus".

According to the Chinese ambassador, Jaishankar agreed not to label the virus and called for a "strong signal of solidarity" from the international community.

After the meeting, Jaishankar said on Twitter, "Discussed with State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi of China our working together in combating COVID-19. Agreed to build further on our bilateral efforts in this domain. Exchanged views on the forthcoming G20 Summit. Global challenges require global cooperation."

In another post, he added, "Reviewed the COVID-19 situation with EU HRVP Josep Borrell Fontelles today. Exchanged views on our respective challenges. Assured him of our fullest support in the return of EU citizens from India."

Coronavirus cases in the country rose to 536 and the death toll to 10.

The Uttar Pradesh police on Tuesday lodged a total of 1,326 criminal cases against people taking the lockdown in its 18 districts lightly and violating its provisions.


"To implement lockdown in various districts strictly, the police registered 1,326 FIRs against violaters," DGP HC Awasthi said.

The FIRs were lodged under IPC section 188 which deals with disobedience to order duly promulgated by a public servant.

DMK in Tamil Nadu welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for a three week lockdown to prevent the spread of coronavirus, saying it should be made into a "self-imposed rule."



####

In a series of tweets after the PM's address to the nation, in which Modi announced the country would go into a three-week lockdown from Wednesday, senior Congress leader P Chidambaram said the right thing to do is for every citizen to support the decision whatever may be the hardships.

However, he said he listened to the Prime Minister carefully and was left with "a mix of emotions - relief, vindication, frustration, disappointment, worry, fear etc."

"I am certain the PM understands the urgency of announcing a financial package and putting cash in the pockets of the poor, daily workers, agricultural workers, self-employed etc.

"Once the package is announced, there are other pressing sectoral problems that have to be addressed. For example, how are the farmers going to harvest their crop beginning April 1?" he asked.

Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala demanded the government immediately deposits Rs 7,500 each in the bank accounts of the poor, marginalised and pensioners for their subsistence during the lockdown.

In a series of tweets, he said the the minimum income guarantee scheme suggested by former Congress president Rahul Gandhi is the need of the hour and the Centre should implement it immediately.

"The country will fight COVID and even defeat it but it is disheartened at your suggestions. Crisis is the acid test of a leadership but your government is not ready for this," Surjewala said, demanding a loan-waiver for farmers who are due to enter the harvest season soon.

The Congress leader questioned the PM on the alleged shortages of personal protective equipment for doctors and health workers who would need protection to manage COVID 19 patients.

"What did you do to prevent this pandemic? How will the safety of healthcare workers be ensured? What solution do you have for the potential food crisis that would arise during the lockdown? How will a poor person subsist during the curfew? Surjewala asked in one of the tweets.

In a video message posted on Twitter, he said, "Dear Prime Minister Modi Ji, On 22nd March, 2020 at 5:00 PM, all of us clapped for our doctors, our nurses and health professionals who are fighting the coronavirus. But these defenders of our nation do not want 'Thali' mention or 'Taali' mention, they need protection and that is what they are demanding from you.

Some independent media studies had claimed that a modest 27 per cent Indians 'stayed' at home due to the fear of spreading
the virus and only 39 per cent Indians were fearful about the killer disease.

Any negligence in these 21 days will "push the country and your families backwards by 21 years", the Prime Minister said underlining the importance of social distancing to 'break' the cycle of contacts of the massive danger the coronavirus poses and
clearly ventilating his disapproval to the people's gestures and generally taking things for granted.

The Prime Minister said, “India is at a stage where our current actions will determine how much we are able to minimize the impact of this disaster. It’s time to consistently keep strengthening our resolve. It’s time to exercise caution at every step. You have to remember that Life is more Important than anything else and survival is the key".

"Jaan hai toh Jahaan hai," he said in his Hindi televised address adding "This is the time for patience and discipline. Until the lockdown situation remains, we must keep our resolve, we must keep our promise.”

The Prime Minister said the Central and State Governments countrywide are working swiftly and in coordination
to ensure that citizens do not face much inconvenience in their daily life. 
He said that provisions have been made to ensure supplies of all essential items continue smoothly. 
He said along with the Central and State Governments, individuals from civil societies and institutions are constantly striving to reduce the problems of the poor during this period of crisis.

Prime Minister said that the Government has provided Rupees Fifteen Thousand Crore (Rs 15,000,00,00,000) for strengthening the medical infrastructure and treatment of the Corona infected patients.

But the Prime Minister's speech on Tuesday evening announcing 21-day complete lockdown "urging people even not to venture out from homes" was evoked with mild and veiled criticism from the opposition Congress party.

"We ask Prime Minister Modi with folded hands not to leave thousands of common people and poor people at their own fate.
While 21-day lockdown could be implemented, but there must be some scheme or government support to poor people who survive on daily earnings," Congress spokesman Randeep Singh Surjewala said.

Cautioning about those who have been rather callous during recent restrictions and partial lockdown in some states, the Prime Minister said, “carelessness of a few, ill-conceived notions of a few can put you, your children, your parents, your family, your friends, the entire country in grave jeopardy. It will be impossible to estimate the price India will have to pay if this carelessness continues.”

Modi did fold his hands more than once during the address to emphasise his request to citizens to adhere to his call, saying the 21-day lockdown is applicable to everyone right from the Prime Minister to a common faceless citizen in a village.

There was panic buying in most chemist shops and grocery shops in the national capital and adjoining places.

Yogi Adityanath, the monk-turned-politician Chief Minister of country's most populous state Uttar Pradesh announced that
there is "enough" essential items like vegetables,milk,medicines for 23 crore people of his state.
"For the safety of you and your family do not step out of your houses and maintain social distance," he said.
In some places arrangements were being made by authorities for supplying essential commodities at door steps
through the support of district administration staff.
"As of now, all arrangements look fine. We are with the Prime Minister as the nation needs to set an exemplary example
and back the government decision of lockdown. That is the way to fight the coronavirus," said a medico Dr D Tublu in Karnal in Haryana.