मां... मां आप जैसी करोड़ों माताओं के आशीर्वाद से कोरोना वायरस से लड़ रहे डॉक्टर, नर्स, मेडिकल स्टाफ, पुलिसकर्मी,… https://t.co/CU6tUFWNI2 — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) 1584889236000

NEW DELHI: India’s gratitude to its foot soldiers in the fight against the novel coronavirus on Sunday found expression in a choreographed yet chaotic nationwide chorus of clapping, clanging of utensils and conch shells being blown as the “janata curfew” that had started 10 hours earlier entered its final lap.PM Narendra Modi tweeted his approval by tagging a video clip of his mother Heeraben beating a plate in her Gandhinagar house. “With the blessings of crores of mothers like you, the doctors, nurses, medical staff, police personnel, security personnel, sanitation workers and members of the media fighting coronavirus are encouraged,” he wrote.In some places, including Mumbai, Pune and Bengaluru, the goal of social distancing was quickly forgotten as groups of people spilled over from balconies and terraces to the streets to shout slogans and march with the Tricolour.While there was outrage on social media over the benefits of the 14-hour shutdown being negated, the country’s response to PM Modi’s appeal appeared to leave most people overwhelmed. “Take a bow, India,” said Pune-based equity researcher Aditya Kondawar. “Never thought would see such a sight. Clapping, banging utensils, shankh being played, temple bells ringing continuously. And what amazing energy!”Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath joined in the thanksgiving, as did his Haryana counterpart Manohar Lal Khattar, deputy CM Dushyant Chautala and their colleagues Anil Vij , Ranjit Chautala and Banwari Lal. A bevy of celebrities from showbiz to sport did the same. Perched on a wall, Bollywood actors and neighbours Akshay Kumar and Hrithik Roshan were spotted clanging utensils and clapping.Former India cricketer Virender Sehwag tweeted: “A big salute to all the warriors who are working tirelessly. May this pass soon and may there be peace, peace and peace. Om Shanti Shanti.”Wrestler Bajrang Punia posted a video showing several people clanging utensils. National men’s team coach Sjoerd Marjine posted a video of all the players clapping in tandem from different floors of their training centre in Bengaluru.Sachin Tendulkar urged people to continue to stay disciplined. “Today, India came together even while staying in our homes. While we are at home, there are many who are selflessly performing their duties. Thank you to each one of you for putting us before yourself. The discipline & commitment we showed today needs to continue,” he tweeted.Shooter Heena Sidhu shared a video shot from the balcony of her house, along with a tweet that read, “Here is the video from my balcony! What atmosphere!! Thank you everyone for fighting back, and our heartfelt appreciation to all those who are fighting this disease by putting their lives on the line.”Golfer Sharmila Nicollet was amazed “at the unity Indians showed”, but also dismayed to find “people stepping out in numbers after 5.05pm to celebrate the success of the janata curfew”.In UP’s Aligarh and Moradabad, a large number of anti-CAA protesters defied appeals from religious leaders, the police and the administration to continue their agitation. Moradabad police booked the protesters who had gathered at the Eidgah there.In Deoband, an anti-CAA protest scheduled for Sunday was called off following the intervention of religious and political outfits.The Indian Medical Association wrote to PM Modi, thanking him for motivating people to show their gratitude towards those working to contain the spread of Covid-19. “The IMA, on behalf of all its members, appreciates your gesture of motivating the public to show gratitude towards doctors, nurses and healthcare workers of the nation who are tirelessly risking their lives to contain the disease,” it said. “We promise not to let down the nation in this fight for survival along with the government.”