New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday exhorted the people to continue being careful and taking the right precautions during Ramzan and Akshaya Tritiya.
In his monthly programme “Mann Ki Baat” broadcast all over the country, he noted that while celebrating Ramzan the previous time, no one would have thought that there would be so many difficulties during Ramzan this time. “This time, let us pray that the world may be freed from the Coronavirus by the time of Eid,” he urged.
Speaking in the 63rd edition of ‘Mann Ki Baat’, Mr Modi focused on the situation prevailing in the country due to COVID-19 outbreak and asked that social distancing be maintained while observing Ramzan.
“It is still very important to follow the rules of physical distancing in the streets, in the markets and in the mohallas or colonies. Today, I also express my gratitude to all those community leaders who are making people aware about the two yards distancing and not going out of the houses,” he said.
Noting that the Coronavirus had changed the manner of celebrating festivals all over the world, including India, he said it has changed the ways of their observance.
On Akshaya-Tritiya, Mr Modi said this year, it bore special significance as the day reminded us that our soul, our life-force, is ‘Akshay’. “This day reminds us that no matter how many difficulties block our path, no matter how many disasters are wreaked upon us and no matter how many contagions have to be faced - the human spirit of fighting and battling them are inexhaustible.”
“On this day of Akshaya Tritiya, we should give a thought about the preservation of our environment, forests, rivers and the entire ecosystem, which play an important role in our lives. If we want to remain bestowed with ‘renewable’ resources, then we must first ensure that our earth remains ever abundant.”
Festivals such as Bihu, Baisakhi, Puthandu, Vishu and Odia New Year was celebrated this year by staying indoors, with great simplicity while wishing well for society. “This time, everyone observed restraint, following the rules of lockdown. We have seen that this time our Christian brethren too celebrated Easter within the confines of their homes. It is imperative at present to fulfill this responsibility of ours towards society and our nation. Only then will we be able to prevent the spread of corona? We will be able to defeat a pandemic like Corona.”
He stressed on the aspect of charity, saying in this period of crisis, all small efforts could become a huge support for many people around us. “Cannot we all take a resolve to make our earth bountiful and imperishable through our efforts? He also extended felicitations to the followers of Lord Basaveshwara on his birth anniversary. (UNI)
