On the first day of the nationwide lockdown that has been imposed in the wake of Coronavirus outbreak, Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with the people of Varanasi through video conferencing and stressed on social distancing.
PM Modi said people should stop discriminating and ostracising the doctors, other healthcare workers and airline crew as they are battling against the pandemic on the frontline.
"People in white coats in hospitals and clinics are our gods now; they should be respected," said PM Modi on reports of misbehavior with medics.
PM Modi said that the epic battle of Mahabharata was won in 18 days, but "war against Coronavirus will take 21 days."
He said that as an MP from Kashi, he should have been there with the people today. "But you know how the situation is in Delhi," PM said addressing people of Varanasi.
He said in this hour of crisis, people of Varanasi can lead the people, teach the country patience, compassion and peace.
PM Modi reiterated that social distancing and staying indoors is the only way out to deal with Coronavirus.
He said the pandemic does not discriminate between rich and poor and that people should realize how deadly this virus is.
However, he said that around one lakh people infected by the virus are also recovering.
"This country's common man believes in taking the right step at the right time. On 22 March, it was clearly seen how all the citizens supported Janata Curfew and then at 5 PM, expressed gratitude for the professionals fulfilling their duties in essential services," PM Modi said.
