PM Modi looks at ‘quarantine’ while extending lockdown to 3 May
As Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the extension of the nationwide lockdown for another 19 days, the decision left many speculating about the reason for opting for this period. Some were expecting the extension till 30 April, as many states had declared, while others thought it would be fixed in terms of weeks — for two or three weeks. Many people speculated on social media that it was because 1 May is May Day and hence a government holiday; 2 May is a Saturday and 3 May, a Sunday.
But the grapevine has it that the idea was to keep the lockdown for a complete 40 days —including 21 days of the first phase — and hence it was extended till 3 May. The word ‘Quarantine’ comes from the word ‘quarantena’ (Venetian language spoken by people of Venice, Italy) which means ‘forty days’ and hence it was decided to keep the lockdown for a full 40 days, if one were to believe the buzz in the corridors of power.
An official said that this word came into use during the Black Death plague epidemic, when all ships arriving in Venice were required to be isolated before the passengers and the crew disembarked.
Why Modi is unhappy with media’s coverage of his govt’s Covid-19 response
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is disappointed over how the Indian media continued to praise the Chinese for containing the spread of Covid-19 effectively, even though it was China from where the worldwide epidemic first emerged. While the Indian government was one of the countries to implement a complete lockdown with a small number of cases, the media was unjustly praising the Chinese, he was learnt to have said at a meeting with senior officials last week.
He also felt that the media overlooked the Indian government’s own efforts in containing the coronavirus threat, according to officials privy to the deliberations.
Last month, the PM had emphasised the role of the media in tackling “the spread of pessimism, negativity and rumour mongering”. In a statement issued after meeting 20 editors of media houses, the PM had urged the media to act as a link between the government and the people in the time of this crisis. “Citizens need to be assured that the government is committed to countering the impact of Covid-19,” the statement had said.
Also read: China is feeling the heat over Covid-19 — from Japan to Australia. But India’s hands are full
There is no fault in decision of Mr. Modi but the problem is that the Government takes decision without minding the future cause of action and planned problem control policy. He knows well about the system hence the decision based on pre-planned policy and problem control management.
You need not go to Venice. It only shows the ignorance of Indian things and Ideological slavery . If you want to talk of superstition you should know that’mandala ie 40 days ‘is an important concept In Ayurveda.
If nothing good stuff available, imagine something and write up. In fact, Modi has praised Media every time he came on air. He also requested to be fair and not fake and rumor mongering reports. Modi saying this in a meeting and saying that in a meeting are fictional write-ups, which no one is gone to confirm nor deny. These writers are asked fill up space.
Illiterate’s act always keeps every one in suspense. But it is too funny to know that 56″ words, like soothe sayer’s words are left for interpretation in 135 crore ways! Added to this, the media already the ” bhopu” (loudspeaker) is dancing as it was called by 56″ to act like “sethu” (the bridge). So, for another 19 days, news chanals, including English once got sufficient masala to run the day long “bahu parak” (praise) of 56″ and in turn, 56″ can back to sound or silent slumber for these many days! Happy Corona days, Bhaktas!
One can always find faults with media for not towing the official line. It happens in every country and India is no exception.
Chinese system of governance with known lack of transparence can always be faulted. But effectiveness of their response has resulted in containing the fatalities as well spread of virus in provinces other than Hubei. Blaming Indian media for reporting something so glaringly visible is perhaps not just.
Among our own states, apparently Kerala has been able to manage the number of infections and deaths better. Any reporter praising that state should not make others unhappy.
The Print with its historical background can never praise Modi and BJP. They will never realise the good work done by this government. Let them continue this way and get decimated in the process because public at large has realised biased approach of the Print.
Media’s only job is to criticize.. That’s the only job media does. And the venetian period… is perhaps Author’s own explanation.
I have another theory on this, though what you have said about the word, “quarantena” looks very plausible. But let me tell you mine, nevertheless.
People who are born on dates, 4, 13, 17, 22, 26 – – dates that add up to a 4 or 8 are called, in Hindi, “4-numberi”. These people have the propensity to do exactly the opposite of what you expect them to do. For example, if you ask a 4-numberi boy to have lunch, when it’s a very probable hour for it, like 1.00 in the noon, his first reaction will be, “No, I’m not hungry.”
Modi ji is born on the 17th of a month. So he is a 4-numberi. That’s why when everyone was expecting Capt. Abhimanyu to be the CM of Haryana, up sprang a jack out of the box in the shape of Manohar Lal Khattar. When Maurya, I’m sorry his first name has slipped from my mind, was expecting to be the CM of Uttar Pradesh, we had Adityanath coming out of the blue. I distinctly remember Mr Modi’s last election speech for UP elections, it was in Varanasi, had a huge picture of Mr Maurya spread out in the background of the stage. It was clear to all that he was the CM face. But when the announcement of Yogi’s name came, the poor man was so shocked that he developed high BP and had to be taken to Delhi in a special helicopter.
So, this is Mr Modi for you. There is nothing surprising that he did not choose 30 April when everyone was expecting him to. Sometimes I get worried that he will go and drop an atom bomb somewhere, just because no one was expecting him to.
He can be fun to know as an unpredictable friend, but not as the PM of a country. There the Unpredictable can be Irresponsible and cast vast shadows of darkness on poor lives, like demonetisation did.
No need to lose your mind because of the current situation. Take care and get well soon.
A manurite hindu spotted.
Keshav Prasad Maurya. Sorry I forgot his initials
Ha ha ha