Poems, songs and advice to light ‘diya of reason’ — responses to PM Modi’s video message
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India

Poems, songs and advice to light ‘diya of reason’ — responses to PM Modi’s video message

PM Modi gave a call to light diyas and candles for at 9pm on 5 April in the face of the Covid-19 battle, and many politicians and celebrities responded to him.

Revathi Krishnan    
Screengrab from PM Narendra Modi's video message, calling for people to light diyas and candles in the face of Covid-19 | ANI

Screengrab from PM Narendra Modi's video message last week, urging people to light diyas and candles | ANI

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s video message to the nation Friday morning, urging people to turn off their lights for nine minutes at 9 pm on 5 April and light a candle or a diya or even use the flashlight to mark the country’s fight against the Covid-19 pandemic drew myriad responses, as usual.

While BJP leaders, Union ministers and some celebrities hailed this move and reiterated the PM’s message on their own Twitter handles, many who have opposed the government, including senior Congress leaders, criticised Modi for not speaking about key issues regarding the Covid-19 battle, nor addressing the exodus of migrants during the lockdown.

‘Light diya of reason, not superstition’

Senior Congress leader Kabil Sibal said the PM’s video message told people nothing about the government’s steps to containing the coronavirus, protect medical practitioners, provide testing kits, deliver food and supplies to the poor, or anything about migrant labourers’ financial situation.

“Light the Diya of reason. Not that of superstition,” advised Sibal, the senior advocate and former Union minister.

Former Union finance minister P. Chidambaram said he was willing to light diyas on 5 April, but wanted Modi to listen to the counsel of epidemiologists and economists. Chidambaram further stated that he expected more clarity on steps taken by the government towards livelihood packages to the poor as well as steps to arrest the economic slide.

“Symbolism is important, but serious thought to ideas and measures is equally important,” was Chidambaram’s advice to both Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

However, Congress spokesperson Sanjay Jha, while acknowledging that the PM had not covered many issues regarding Covid-19, also said “to criticise him (Modi) for trying to cheer people up is being petty and puerile”.

Also read: Modi speech motivates Indians, he should also assure them on doctors’ safety, healthcare

‘Pradhan Showman’ and the ‘tubelight’

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor called Modi the “Pradhan Showman”, and said he heard nothing about how to ease people’s pain, burdens, financial anxieties or the vision for the future.

“Just a feel-good moment curated by India’s Photo-Op PrimeMinister,” exclaimed Tharoor.

This did not go down well with BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra, who responded by saying that the Congress should remain in darkness and not light a candle in solidarity with India. He also told the party to turn off its ‘tubelight’.

Poems and songs

Lyricist and ad guru Prasoon Joshi wrote an ode to igniting hope, supported Modi’s call to fight the darkness of the Covid-19 disease. He went on to even post videos of himself reciting the poem.

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal quoted Sanskrit scripture to reiterate Modi’s words requesting people to fight darkness and light diyas.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Chouhan said because of the PM’s message, people of the country have been filled with a new energy. And by lighting diyas and candles, there will be a feeling of positivity in people’s minds.

Filmmaker Hansal Mehta paid “homage to this morning and our PM”, posting K.L. Saigal’s 1943 classic song ‘Diya jalao’. Mehta has often been critical of the Modi government.

Actor Taapsee Pannu, also a liberal voice on social media, seemed excited at the prospect of a new task to do amid the nationwide lockdown.

Also read: Modi’s 9-min candle plan Sunday: Needless spectacle or much-needed motivation for Indians?