Remembering 22nd March 2020!

 It was nearing 5.00 pm on Sunday, the 22nd March 2020. People on either side of the street, were standing in front of their respective houses and on their roof-tops, to perform the most sacred duty assigned to them by their Prime Minister, Mr. Narendra Modi. They wanted to thank and encourage millions of ‘corona warriors,’ including medical staff, police personnel, sanitation workers, those who work for supply of essential items, bankmen, postal employees and media-men etc., who were working 24 X 7 for fighting ‘Covid-19’ (Coronavirus disease-19).

At the stroke of 5.00 pm, they started clapping, cheering, clanging of utensils, ringing pooja (worship) bells, and blowing conch shells. Being a long-time resident of the area, Raju was in his elements in cheering up his neighbours. His rational-minded daughter Rohini, who was a ‘Sociology research scholar,’ too was equally enthusiastic in drumming support for her father. Being tech-savvy, she was ringing bell sound from her i-phone connected to the speaker by bluetooth! A few were video recording and taking pictures through their mobiles. Children, young, middle-aged and the old displayed great enthusiasm in adding to the intensity of the event. In fact, the show went on for about 15 minutes. Raju's street was a picture of ‘mini-India,’ expressing its gratitude to the brave men who were at the forefront in fighting ‘Covid-19 virus’ (Coronavirus disease-19 virus), risking their lives.

The next day, Raju was first to show his daughter, Prime Minister, Modiji's tweet tagging the video clip of his nonagenarian mother beating a plate in her Gandhinagar house. 'With the blessings of crores of mothers like you, the doctors, nurses, medical staff, police personnel, security personnel, sanitation workers and members of the media fighting coronavirus are encouraged,’ the PM had written. Young Rohini had nodded in approval.

Newspapers were full of pictures of people from almost all parts of India clapping for their fighting countrymen. Politicians, film personalities and sportsmen, were second to none in stealing the show. What was heartening, were the pictures of 'aam janata' (common men), joining from their doorsteps in expressing their willingness to fight the menace, which was slowly engulfing their country.

Clap show for fighting Corona event was not without aberrations. Rohini was quick in chiding her father, showing pictures of people in most places, throwing the discipline of ‘social distancing.’ The dignity of clapping had been washed away, as people had spilled over from balconies and terraces to the streets, shouting slogans and marching with the tri-colour flag. People were seen virtually in a celebration mood in most pictures. Raju too had to nod in agreement.

Quickly regaining his poise, Raju lost no time in convincing his daughter. 'A few people might have negated the sanctity of the “14-hour janata (people's) curfew.” But the country's response to PM's appeal was overwhelming. I never thought I would witness such a sight. People clapping, banging steel plates, beating drums, and blowing pipes was an expression of solidarity. And what an amazing energy?’

Rohini was too good on social media. She was quick in catching a tweet from a veteran film star of pan-India fame, whose ardent fan was none other than her father. The star in his tweet had claimed that vibrations from clapping and blowing of conch shells as part of 'Janata (people's) Curfew day,' were aimed at reducing coronavirus potency as it was an 'amavasya', the darkest day of the month. Some self-proclaimed intellectuals had even re-tweeted, that a few great astrologers had rightly advised the Prime Minister to call for ‘Janata curfew and the 5 pm-clapping event on 22nd March!’ WhatsApp messages started flooding reflecting the tweet of the superstar. 'NASA satellite video live telecast, has shown that the coronavirus is retreating in India, thanks to the people effort at 5 pm on 22nd March at the instance of its Prime Minister! The bio-satellite of NASA has recorded that Covid-19 activity had weakened exactly at that time,' said the message exchanges. Even Raju, despite being a strong believer in astrology, knew very well that all these tweets, re-tweets, and WhatsApp messages were far from the truth and were condemned by experts.

Rohini's further dig from media had revealed more criticisms. 'High on talk, low on substance,' was the criticism from certain sections on Modiji's appeal for 'janata curfew.’ 'Without any concrete steps to combat the virus, Prime Minister has asked people to clap,' was their ridicule. ‘Clap-hailing of our heroes who are fighting the virus is copied from western countries,’ they had pointed out. A critique doctor from South India, had even tweeted 'please don't come out at 5 pm on Sunday, the 22nd March, to applaud us. Instead, stand wherever you are and ask your PM to give you more tests for Covid-19. Ask for more hospital beds, ventilators, masks, and facilities for healthcare workers. Ask for financial back up for the most vulnerable.’

Raju had to retreat to a conciliatory mood, facing a barrage of sharp criticisms, from his ‘no-nonsense daughter Rohini!’ ‘In a democratic set-up, criticisms are a healthy sign and welcome,’ he defended. But nobody can deny that Modiji's call, for a day's Janata curfew on 22nd March, did serve the purpose of alerting a nation, which was under the threat of the worst pandemic, the mankind had seen. One day of the self-imposed curfew, was something like a trial drill, for preparing a vast nation for a prolonged restraint in the days to come. Our ancestors have hailed doctors with the message 'Vaidyo narayano harihi,’ meaning that the doctors are Gods. Our PM had reiterated the same by making it ‘more inclusive under the name corona warriors,' and had called people to express their gratitude to our heroes, by clapping at 5 pm on that day.

***

The euphoria created by 'Janata curfew,' was short-lived. Soon state governments were grappling with the most haunting question, 'what next?’ They were all undecided. Most states and even Union Territories, had imposed lockdown in 82 districts of the country, with confirmed cases of Covid-19 till 31st March. Inter-state bus services too were suspended. Center was contemplating suspension of all metro-train services. There were strong rumours, that there would be a ban on movements of trains too. But even people knew that these measures were not enough. Many were questioning the efficacy of blocking only 82 districts in their vast country.

PM Modiji, while thanking people for the success of Janata curfew, had cautioned people to get ready for a longer battle. He had tweeted that, 'today's janata curfew may get over at 9 pm, but that doesn't mean, we should start celebrating. Do not consider it a success. “This the beginning of a long fight.” Today, our countrymen have declared that we are capable, and if we decide, we can beat the biggest challenge together.’

'Lockdown completely now,' was the considered opinion of medical experts. While China was the first to be hit, followed by most European countries and the US, India was fortunate to be among the last few. China had almost contained the impact with its draconian measures. But Europe and even the US were undecided in implementing strict measures and the result was there for everyone to see. Italy was the worst hit. Can India with its poor medical facilities withstand, if hit on a large scale?

Rohini's probing eyes were focusing on the issue, 'what next?’ Leading doctors were of the opinion that corona had the quickest propensity to spread. While contact with infected's droplets was deadly, the impact of physical contacts and even air-borne transmissions could not be ignored. The worst-hit Italy was facing a sea of patients and doctors were perplexed with the question, ‘whom to save and whom to be left to die?’ There were even reports that, Italy is no longer providing ventilators to 80+ aged patients! What can India do if confronted with such a deluge of patients?

Community health experts were of the opinion that lockdown should be now and before it becomes too late. Shutting down after a month will have disastrous consequences, with a huge number of cases and demoralized citizens facing sky-rocketing costs. Projected data of escalation of the Covid spread was presenting a scary picture. Do we have enough hospital beds, ICUs, and ventilators? Will we be able to ensure enough supply of Oxygen to our ventilators? Can we afford to mix regular patients with the Covid-19 patients? Do we have enough doctors, nurses, and other para-medical staff? Can we ensure the safety of our health workers? Are we rich enough to import doctors? Can we bypass regulations, to deploy medical students in the final year of their course, as doctors? The questions posed by medical experts were virtually piercing the eyes and ears of the government and the people. Even many enlightened citizens were becoming restless and were questioning why the Government is not coming out with at least a 3-week total lockdown?

It was the 24th of March 2020. There was news in the air that Prime Minister Narendra Modiji, will be addressing the nation at 8 pm. PM coming on media for the second time in five days, was almost confirming the worst fear haunting the minds of all concerned. ‘Will it be a total lockdown? And if so, for how long?’

It was 8 pm and Prime Minister was on TV. Raju and Rohini were glued to the television screens. So also were the 1.3 billion pairs of eyes of the country. A determined-looking Modiji delivered his address, declaring a ‘lockdown,’ of the whole country, for a period of 21 days, from the beginning of the 25th day of March, 2020!

Raju and his daughter Rohini, both were in a state of shock after listening to the Prime Minister's address. It was a case of total lockdown of the entire nation for 21 days, with no buses, trains and flights both domestic and international. They really needed some time to assess the situation before reacting.

Next day, newspapers too had just recorded the proceedings of the previous day, without adding any comments from their think-tanks. Even the opposition parties too, chose to take some time before responding. It was only after a couple of days, the debate on the related issues started trickling in.

More experienced father Raju chose to count the blessings first.

‘I am happy that the uncertainty in the matter of locking down has ended. A popular Telugu proverb says that “Anumanam Pedda Rogam,” which means that “the state of uncertainty can be a big disaster.” I am happy that our Prime Minister has taken a firm decision in imposing the lockdown. This was possible because of the following factors.

-The country had a strong PM with a full majority to impose the toughest lockdown for 21 days. Had it been a coalition Government, such a tough and sudden decision would not have been possible.

-Although a federal structure, the relationship between the Center and the States was reasonably pleasant, barring a couple of aberrations.

-Although the country was passing through a financial crisis, the monsoon was good in the year 2019 and there was substantial storage of food grains in our godowns. Crude oil prices were ruling low, allowing a sort of luxury for the Government on the foreign exchange front.

-State assembly elections, that constantly haunt the country were quite away, and the nearest one was during November 2020 for Bihar assembly.

-The impact of the virus was predicted to be less severe on our country, as we fall under the tropical zone. Moreover, the demographic dividend of a younger population was in our favour, who had better resistance to the pandemic attack.

'No Appa (father), you are trying to cover the larger issues with generic ones,' averred the ever combative Rohini. She was ready with a barrage of counter-arguments.

-The Prime Minister should have had a detailed discussion with all Chief Ministers before deciding on the lockdown. What happened to the rhetoric of swearing by our federal structure day in and day out? There was only a video conference at the level of chief secretaries, which was not enough. Although the center was powerful enough to impose the country-wide lockdown, the responsibility of implementation lies with the states only.

-The decision of total lockdown was too sudden, almost reminding us of the chaos created, during the aftermath of the demonetization in the year 2016.

-Even before 24th March 2020, unrest in the camps of migrant workers was very much visible throughout the country. Trains from Mumbai leaving towards the east had witnessed tremendous rush with the flood of anxious migrants. They feared the loss of jobs and also the income. They had nowhere to go except marching towards their native villages. The Chief Ministers of different states and the PM never thought about the possible plight of migrant workers before deciding on the lockdown.

Daughter Rohini was quite furious with her strong points.

'It's easier to become wiser after the incident. Fortunately, Covid-19 virus’ late entry was to India's advantage, and it was a wise decision to impose the lockdown when the number of Covid-positive cases were only in few hundreds for the Country,’ said the seasoned campaigner Raju.

Living with total lockdown was a different experience, both for police and also the common men. Incidents of violating breakdown were rampant. Police hitting lawbreakers on 2-wheelers with lathis was a common scene. Police catching wrongdoers and letting them away with mild punishments like 'stand ups and sit downs' were also observed. But the worst development was the unrest among migrant workers. Unable to bear the job loss and with no incomes, they started walking towards their villages, hundreds and thousands of kilometers away.

***

It was time for Modiji's third message on TV on the 3rd of April. As earlier Raju and Rohini were in front of the TV. Modi's video message this time was shorter. 'We are confined to our homes, but none of us is alone. The collective strength of 130 crore Indians is with each one of us.... This Sunday, on April 5 at 9.00 pm, turn off all the lights in your homes, stand at your doors or in your balconies and light candles or diyas (lamps), torches or mobile flashlights for 9 minutes.... Amidst the darkness spread by the corona pandemic, we must continuously progress towards light and hope. No one must assemble or gather anywhere participating in this programme.’ PM's message was aimed at keeping the public morale up with a candle program, half-way through the 21-day national lockdown.

While Raju was excited about the program, Rohini was quick in pointing out the criticisms emanating from opposition benches. 'Instead of addressing the real issues of saving lives and livelihood, Modiji is resorting to gimmicks and photo-ops! Some opposition leaders even went on to point out that 6th April, being the “foundation day of Modiji's party BJP,” he wanted its celebration on the previous day itself!’

Some more opposition leaders and technocrats, raised concern about the switching off of all the lights at one time, which may create a sudden drop in the load on the supply grid, which may lead to collapse of the grid itself, further leading to disruption of power supply! Electricity department officials, even rushed to appeal to the public, to switch off only the lights, but keep the other equipment like fans and fridges running, so that the load on the grid does not come down drastically.

A day before the light event, undeterred by criticism, Modiji continued to quote a poem of his mentor and former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, which highlighted the significance of lighting a lamp. The poem read......

Hindi Version

Aao phir se diya jalayen
Bhari dupheri mein andhiyara
Suraj parchyi se hara
Antartam ka neh nichude
Bujhi hui baati sulgaye
Aao phir se diya jalayen

Hum padaav ko samjhe manzil
Lakshay hua aanko se ojhal
Vartaman keh mohjaal me
Aane wala kal na bhulaye
Aao phir se diya jalaye

Aahuti baki yagna adhura
Apno ke Vighno ne ghera
Antim jaye ka wajra banana
Nav Dadheechi haddiyan galayen
Aao phir se diya jalayen

***

English Version

At the time of this darkness during the afternoon
When sun is covered by shadows
Let us take out as oil, the darkness within our mind and body
To re-kindle the flame instead
Let's light the lamp together again

We mistook the milestone for the destination
Our goal has become out of sight
In the mundane trappings of the present
Let's not lose sight of the coming tomorrow
Let's light the lamp together again

The sacrifice is pending, the yajna* is incomplete
Engulfed by the obstacles born from our own men
To make the vajra for the final victory
Let our modern Dadheechis* donate their backbones
Let's light the lamp together again

(*Yajna is a Vedic ritual in Hindu tradition, which is done as sacrifice or offerings, composed of ingredients like ghee, to a sacred fire with the objective of invoking good for the society. Fight against coronavirus is symbolized here as Yajna).

(*Vajra stands for Vajrayudh, a weapon which God Indra had used to kill a demon).

(*Dadheechi was a saint who donated his backbone to God Indra, to be made as Vajrayudh).

***

'I vaguely remember to have seen Vajpayeeji on TV. I haven’t heard him speaking. Did he write this poem? When and why?’ was young Rohini's reaction. Now it was time for father Raju to take full scope in explaining the relevance of Atalji and his poem to his daughter. 'Vajpayeeji was our Prime Minister. More than a politician, he was a great orator and a poet. Many during his lifetime, used to say that “Vajpayeeji going to politics, was a great loss to the world of literature.” In spite of his very active political life, both as an opposition leader and the Prime Minister, he kept time for giving vent to his literary skills too. The quoted poem was aimed at the youth of the country, symbolized by the afternoon sun, which is covered by the darkness of clouds. But our young men are energetic and enthusiastic. Their march on the track should not be disturbed by obstacles of the present day. In view of a bright tomorrow, they should continue to fight together (Yajna) by lighting the lamp of hope. Our modern youth, like “saint Dadheechi,” should sacrifice their time, intellect, and energy to the ongoing fight for ensuring the welfare of mankind. Full marks to Modiji, for a timely quotation of the poem and calling upon our people to light the 'lamp heralding our fight against the pandemic,' averred a beaming Raju. Combative Rohini was now subdued and nodded in appreciation of the great spirit of the poem.

It was 9 pm on Sunday, the 5th of April. Lights went off and people came out of their houses. Rohini too joined her father in lighting the lamps and candles responding to the call of the Prime Minister. A few even blew the conch and fired crackers. It was virtual 'Diwali, the Indian festival of lights' replayed. Modiji himself was at the forefront of lighting the lamp, wearing a 'mundu' (a rectangular white cloth used to wrap around the waist, also called dhoti) and draped in an Assamese 'gamusa' (a rectangular white cloth with red borders draped around the neck). The nation-wide lighting of the lamps symbolized the country's resolve in being together for the fight against Covid-19.

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