These 9 minutes, at 9 PM on the 5th will bring our nation closer and strengthen the battle against COVID-19.… https://t.co/BgFZWaDGJz — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) 1585984746000

NEW DELHI: Unfazed by opposition parties questioning his call to light ‘diyas’ or candles at 9pm on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday shared videos and messages, including one of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee reciting his poem “Aao Phir Se Diya Jalaye”, on social media platforms to inspire people to participate in the event.In his short video message to the nation, Modi had urged people to come out in their balconies and doorstep and light lamps, diya, torch or mobile flashlights for nine minute at 9pm on Sunday to show that the country is together in its fight against the coronavirus.Modi also shared video of spiritual Gurus like Morari Bapu who also urged people to take part in the event.Although opposition parties have questioned the move with Congress functionary Shashi Tharoor saying that it is inspired by Hindu astrology, several prominent persons extended support to the PM’s call. Modi’s call to people to clap for 5 minutes at 5pm on March 22 in support of ‘corona warriors’ had received an overwhelming response.“India is united in defeating Covid-19. This unity will be manifested tomorrow evening,” the PM tweeted sharing prominent filmmaker Shekhar Kapoor ’s message.Supporting PM’s call, Kapoor had tweeted, “I don’t know about anybody else, but I’m definitely going to light a Diya on Sunday at 9pm for 9minutes.” He said, “To stand in solidarity with people of India, to honour our PM @narendramodi, to pray for courage and fortitude in this time as we do on Diwali to guide truth into our hearts.”Lyricist Prasoon Joshi , Bollywood actress Ravina Tandon and several other celebrities extended their support to the PM’s call.Sharing Amul Milk ad with the message about Sunday event, Modi tweeted, “These 9 minutes, at 9 PM on the 5th will bring our nation closer and strengthen the battle against Covid-19.”