Modi calls for candlelight vigil for those worst-hit by the coronavirus lockdown

Indian prime minister Narendra Modi today (April 3) sought to rally the country in support of the millions of Indians who, he said, have suffered physically and mentally during the ongoing national lockdown in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Lauding citizens for their cooperation, Modi requested Indians to come together for nine minutes at 9pm on April 5 to “march against the darkness towards the light” by lighting candles and lamps or switching on flashlights and electric torches. While urging Indians to spare nine minutes on April 5, he also urged them to stick to social distancing, asking them not to venture out of their homes during this show of solidarity on April 5.