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| A street in Bhopal, India. Image credit: Wikipedia |
I woke up this morning not to the sound of vehicles, but to the sound of the chirp of birds.
I have never before heard the rustling of leaves during the day hours when the predominant sound is usually of passing vehicles.
Today the entire nation -- a population of 1.33 billion -- is staying indoors between 7 am and 9 pm. No public transport. No passenger trains. Only trains that have begun the journey before 7 am are running. No buses. No metro. All businesses shut. It's a total lockdown. Only medical services, online delivery services and media are working.
This follows an appeal by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his address to the nation on March 20, to observe a Janata Curfew or People's Curfew - of the people, by the people, for the people - voluntarily stay indoors between 7 am and 9 pm. He said we have to do it because the crisis we are facing is a very unique one, and we have very difficult days ahead, for which we need to prepare ourselves.
THE FIVE-MINUTE JINGLE OR CLAP AT 5 PM
The Prime Minister also exhorted everyone to come to their doorstep or to their balconies and clap or ring a bell or tap a steel utensil for five minutes in honour of every health and medical professional who is struggling out there taking care of the people who are ill.
Accordingly, in our apartment complex, many residents joined the rest of the nation, came out on to their balconies, and clapped.
HARD DAYS AHEAD
When the Prime Minister announced just a day's shutdown, the immediate thought that came to everyone's mind was how will a single day's lockdown help in any way. But he had prefaced it saying this lockdown today is to prepare ourselves for the hard days ahead.
That's what is happening now. A number of places in the country, including big cities like Bengaluru, Delhi and Mumbai, have now declared complete shutdown till March 31. Indian Railways today announced that no passenger train will run till 31st. Buses and metro have drastically curtailed their services.
I don't think we will return to our normal routine any time in the near future.
Take adequate care of yourself. Be safe. These are very uncertain times.
Yes the curfew was very successful here in Kota.The roads are absolutely bare and silent.
ReplyDeleteOne is forced to think when will things become normal?
We are in for a long haul, unfortunately!
DeleteI like the five o'clock salute to healthcare providers. That's a nice, simple, and safe homage. I wish you all the best.
ReplyDeleteYes, Darla. It was quite a success here.
DeleteTake care.
Hi Pradeep - I do hope it works ... this virus is virulent and very dangerous - the health workers are going to be doing wonderful work - just keep clear of others ... all the best - Hilary
ReplyDeleteHari OM
ReplyDeleteThat is an excellent step, I feel. Yes, one day - but the first of many, in all likelihood. Commonsense must reign. I too applaud the morning 'shout out' for the care workers. A lovely initiative - sadly, not something that would work here in the UK. India has the right social view on this!
Be safe. Be well. Behave. YAM xx
Yes, Yamini. The shutdown and 'clap' for the healthworkers were big success yesterday!
DeleteExcellent idea to have a total national lockdown. I am glad Mr. Modi took the leadership role. Side effect: There is going to be a population explosion.
ReplyDeleteYikes. But I guess it's really come to that. Take care. Stay well.
ReplyDeleteA good move and a preparation perhaps for possibly rough times ahead in the fight against the deadly virus.There is an awareness all around about the need to stay at home and be extremely watchful.
ReplyDeleteBetter to cautious and safe!
DeleteThe lockdown until Mar. 31 seems to be a difficult, but necessary step. Hopefully, the virus will stop spreading by then and things return to normal.
ReplyDeleteDestination Infinity
Hi Rajesh, Now the lockdown is till April 14. Quite a long stretch. I guess, we will all get used to it!
DeleteNo other option.
We are also on lock down in Wisconsin, USA. It is unsettling and strange for all of us. Please stay safe!
ReplyDeleteHi Michele, It's frustrating too, at times!
DeleteThanks for dropping by.
Take care.
Hi Pradeep - things have certainly changed immensely in the last few weeks. I find it quite surreal seeing so few people out and about, but I'm also enjoying the change. I feel like retirement has prepared me for being locked away and I'm hoping that when we all emerge again the world will be a fresher and kinder place to live in. Stay safe and stay inside if you can.
ReplyDeleteThanks for linking up with us at MLSTL and I've shared on my SM 😊.
Hi Leanne,
DeleteI hope the pandemic doesn't too long, and we are all able to resume our usual daily routine soon.
I am staying at home, and working from home.
I imagine in a vast country like India, the silence must be amazing. It is great you are observing the lockdown so well; we can see what happens when countries, or people react too slowly. Hopefully days of hardship will hasten the time when we can move freely again, and your fantastic country will throb and bustle again. #MLSTL
ReplyDeleteHi Enda, Thanks for dropping by and for your comments.
DeleteIndeed, the government here is proactive and ahead of the game mainly because if, God forbid, if the infection goes into full-fledged Stage 3 (community spread) then the impact would be disastrous.
It must be so eerie with everyone in lock down, however, I think it is the only way to curb the spread especially in heavily populated cities. Thanks for sharing with us at #MLSTL and take care during this time
ReplyDeleteHi Sue: Sound of Silence, as a newspaper here put it!
DeleteTake care.
This lock down is needed. Majority of the people are following it but still I do see some vehicles passing by every now and then and the shop opposite our apartment complex is doing brisk business!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Shilpa for dropping by and for your comments.
DeleteTrue, some irresponsible people are endangering their and as well as other people's lives.
Yes. Uncertain times. In the future also such epidemics keep coming. I feel testing at the airport itself must be started as early as possible and infected persons have to be isolated.
ReplyDeleteWelcome to A to Z 2020
Trying to document IE practice in Top Global Engineering Companies. #AtoZChallenge April Writing
Industrial Engineering Practice in Top Global Manufacturing Companies - Top 100
Thanks, Narayana for dropping by. Really hard times.
DeleteI shall check out your posts ..
I cannot imagine the difficulties of locking down 1.33 billion people, the scope, the impact. I am so fortunate to live in a small city of 400,000 with lots of green open space where we can exercise. The ability to get outside helps me cope with what is going on. Stay safe
ReplyDeleteHere the government is very well aware of the dangers. That's why the strict measures. Thanks for dropping by.
ReplyDeleteHi Pradeep, Fascinating to get your first hand perspective. I still appreciate the word “voluntarily” yet everyone cooperated with the lock down. The jingle/clap brought tears to my eyes. We are also stopping and showing appreciation for our health and medical professional. Yes, these are uncertain times. I am hopeful, yet it will take time. Take care and stay safe.
ReplyDeleteHi Erica - Thanks for dropping by. The health workers are doing an amazing job! The least we can do is to show our appreciation.
DeleteHopefully, we will soon come out of this difficult phase; and get back to our normal routine.
Take care and Stay safe.