How PM Modi’s “Applause from Balconies” Sparked A Worldwide Tribute

On 22 March 2020, ‘Janta curfew’ was enforced to fight the spread of coronavirus and PM Modi had asked the citizens of India to stand in solidarity with the workers in the frontline fighting against COVID-19. This tribute was so heartfelt that it encouraged the world to join in!

People gather in a balcony to clap and make noise to thank essential service providers during a one-day Janata (civil) curfew imposed amid concerns over the spread of the COVID-19 novel coronavirus, in Bangalore on March 22, 2020. - Millions of people in India were in lockdown on March 22 as the government tests the country's ability to fight the pandemic. PIC/AFP.

Coronavirus in India: On 22 March 2020, ‘Janta curfew’ was enforced to fight the spread of coronavirus and PM Modi had asked the citizens of India to stand in solidarity with the workers in the frontline fighting against COVID-19 . When the day came the nation rang! People were seen applauding and cheering for all healthcare workers from every corner of the country. From celebrities such as Amitabh Bachchan and the Ambani family to the common man across the country, everyone had joined to show their support. In such dire times, this action was uplifting and empowering.

This tribute was so heartfelt that it encouraged the world to join in! From various corners of the world, people began paying tributes to those in the frontline in their own way. It even sparked a campaign #ClapBecauseWeCare from London five days after PM Modi’s announcement. Videos from various parts of the world have surfaced thereafter, people have been cheering from places like Glasgow, Vancouver, London, New York, Italy, Madrid, Istanbul and so many more. Chinese artist Roy Wang paid a beautiful tribute to the doctors with a light painting series, where the model is seen wearing a white hazmat suit and protective gear which symbolizes the healthcare workers who have been working for months worldwide!

The COVID-19 positive cases worldwide have hit one million yet there are so many cases of people recovering from this disease. The healthcare workers, grocery workers, sanitation workers are all working round the clock to make sure that people are safe and healthy. Paying tributes is the need of the hour to let these healthcare workers know that the world is grateful for their relentless work and dedication. Today Prime Minister Modi announced another such tribute to be paid on April 5, Sunday at 9 PM, where people are requested to switch off their lights and light diyas or torches to show the nation’s solidarity and determination to fight the virus together. The country is looking forward to it because soon after the announcement many expressed their eagerness for this tribute on social media.