9PM, 9 minutes

What happened yesterday at 9PM was unprecedented. Millions of Indians switched off the lights of their houses and lighted candles and earthen pots while remaining stuffed in their houses. It happened throughout India and included several sections of the society. It is possibly the largest social experiment done anywhere in the world with just a 2 days prior notice by the Prime Minister of the country in a short 9-minute video. No campaign for months was required, no one was forced to do it. It happened automatically and in harmony throughout the length and the breadth of the country. Millions of images and live videos were uploaded and shared by the people and have set a new kind of positivity not only within the country but to as well the grief-stricken world. Indians, who majorly belongs to the lower middle class and lower class, should be thanked to create this wave of excitement and enthusiasm.

The event was symbolic in nature. There was NO scientific reasoning for its directly stopping the spread of the virus. However many fake news was circulated in social media which should be put to the grave. The 21 days lockdown that the country is undergoing has put in tremendous mental pressure caused due to the distressing situation that it has brought forth. It does seem that people at large are aware of the griming realities of the nation and its socio-economic problems. Just after the sudden announcement of the lockdown, chaos marred the streets and the shops. It was followed by the migrant crisis in which thousands of daily wage & casual migrant workers in a state of confusion and helplessness resorted to moving to their native places. The situation grew desperate with the unavailability of the transport services and closedown of the state borders. This was readily handled and support was provided to those who were stranded mid-way, although with initial skirmishes by the administration. The cases of COVID19 infected individuals are slowly rising in the country and have crossed the 3500 marks. To compare with the other countries which as well passed through the same stage, it is to be noticed that we are at a crucial stage. From here, the lockdown should be followed more rigorously to stop the spread of the virus and break the chain. It is time that people show perseverance in the face of this pandemic and only in case of exigencies should come out of their home.

Lastly, it is our innocence and not the foolishness that we tend to overdo celebrations. The skepticism around it is in vain, we all are part of it. Least to say, Indians are festival lovers. The 9PM, 9 minutes event will go down the lane of the nation’s memory as one of the most important events. We celebrated it like a festival. It helped in reducing the stress that people have been feeling. It also marked the solidarity of the people towards each other and towards our heroes – the healthcare workers and the police personnel. 

P.S. - We do know that this crisis may bring in a tough situation ahead and a lot of uncertainties. We need to co-operate with each other by helping spread positivities and shunning the fake news. Warcry is 'United we stand, divided we fall' and rise we will... Yo.