The last few days have had everyone scurrying under a spell of doom. Statistics and data overcrowded any and every medium. A historical event is marking life in every corner of the world and impacting each individual.
We are hearing about and implementing social distancing and self isolation. So when the Prime Minister addressed the nation, reassuring the citizens that all was being done to keep the Pandemic at bay, ruffled feathers were indeed smoothened. And when the PM requested for a self imposed curfew – the Janta curfew- of the people, by the people, for the people, he had immediate support of the masses.
When he sought the people to show their solidarity with the medical forces, working tirelessly to provide the health care required, the people turned out in full force. Ringing bells, blowing the conch, clanging plates, and clapping hands. It was the sound heard in temples resounding across neighbourhoods, as people stood in their balconies, at their windows, or their terraces, as they saluted all those people who served the nation without thinking about their comfort. (My friends and I included people from the Armed forces, Police forces, Maritime and the humble housewife!)
Smiles and tears shone across as the people pledged to face this calamity together. Time lost track of itself. The Prime minister had asked for a 5 minute ovation but there was no stopping the nation.
