Experts welcome PM Modi’s decision on countrywide Lockdown for three Weeks

The lockdown declared today is already a delayed decision. Yet what is more unfortunate and surprising is that despite a headstart and three months lead time since the virus outbreak in China , and knowledge of the rapidly spreading pandemic we are still apparently without a well thought out crisis management plan. We have been experimenting with knee jerk and populist measures. The janta curfew couldn’t have and didn’t work in our heterogeneous society.

It is now going to be a completely nightmarish situation that will require immense administrative calibre and competence. We have the strength and the will power to fight this war , but we could have been much better prepared.

Gaurav Taneja, Captain at AirAsia

A nationwide lockdown was only way left I think. Everyone is very familiar with what happened in China, Italy, and in the USA, but the citizens of India are not understanding the seriousness of the covid 19 outbreak. People are walking down the streets, playing cricket outdoors rather than staying back, like it’s an extended vacation. So this strict action had to be made to make Indians safe and to stop the community wide spread of the pandemic. This lockdown will bring a drastic economic change in India, but let’s hope it’s all for the better. I urge Indians not to panic, and to not believe in rumours. Just stay home to make a safe home.

Malini Agarwal – Founder and Creative Director Miss Malini: ” I fully support the government’s initiative to keep us safe from this frightening pandemic. We have to trust in the guidance of our public health officials and the scientists and doctors on the front line of this battle. The data shows that the only way to flatten the curve and prevent our healthcare system from becoming overwhelmed is to isolate ourselves and avoid all non-essential contact with each other. This is the right decision and I implore all of my fellow citizens to take this seriously and listen to the authorities. Anyone who thinks this is an overreaction is not paying attention to the rest of the world and we must break the chain of infection. Social Distancing and good hygiene are the only things quite literally in our hands. Each one of us must all do our part to keep all of us safe. This is not a time for rebellion or complaining over inconvenience. 21 days may seem like a long time but these three weeks are critical to how our country will be impacted by Covid 19. Please stay safe, stay home and trust the authorities who are doing this for our own well being. It is now on us to ride this wave. Take this time to focus on your mental and emotional well-being and be a support for others. We will get through this together.”

Mr. Kausshal Dugarr – Founder and CEO of Teabox.  “The current situation has affected us as it has many other businesses as well. We see this more as a supply disruption rather than it disrupting the demand side. However, our category is perennial and we do not see a huge dip in demand. Given the unpredictability and uncertainty that is laid before us, we are taking the necessary steps to reduce overheads and extend our working capital among other things. Embracing an optimistic attitude, we believe and we see ourselves coming out much stronger once the dust settles.”

Mr. Senil Shah- Founder of New York Burrito Company  “On the business end, everything will be shut. So there will be a complete loss.  Two major fixed costs are rentals and salary. On rentals, we are trying to reduce it.  On the salary front, we are not firing any of our guys, as we believe to stand with them in this crucial time. But overall we are positive on the front that when the restaurant industry opens up there will be a spike in sales as so many people who are addicted to eating out are waiting to eat out.

Celebrity Chef Ranveer Brar said, “I think it’s an essential and an excellent step by the government of india. Considering the scale and the amount of damage that such a pandemic can cause in the country which is extremely densely populated. And also extremely susceptible to the damage done. I think these are the 21 days that we need to give to our nation  to save the year that would go behind if we don’t stay in for 21 days. I applaud the government for taking this bold step. And I’m pretty sure the government both central and state will take care of people who live on daily rations. But it is our time to stand in solidarity with the decision and stay indoors.”

Tarandeep Singh Sekhon, Marketing Director at KidZania India said, “Difficult times call for difficult decisions.And, I completely stand by this lock down initiative. We need to act now for a better tomorrow. We should understand that it is for our better, and at the same time do not panic.Prevention is better than cure, and the only option when no cure.”

Ms. Geeta Ramakrishnan, ontological coach and Author: “This I assume must be a difficult decision for the PrimeMinister and I am in total agreement. COVID -19 pandemic is not to be taken lightly. Specially we have examples of countries like  China, Italy and the US to learn from.  This 21 day lockdown will hopefully break the exponential growth chain  and help our health care  resources and system to  be better prepared and manage the virus outbreak much better. Yes, it will not be easy and can cause a lot of inconveniences and an economic turmoil which I can’t even fathom.  I pray that all my fellow citizens respect their safety and that of all  Indians and  think this is a small price to pay for the sake of the safety of all our lives.”

Meanwhile Twitterati hailed PM Modi’s 21-Day Nationwide Lockdown

#21daysLockdown to stop/flatten spread #Covid19India is a necessary measure.I find that even in these difficult times, there are some who look thru it with a political/anti Modi lens.A tough decision has been taken despite the accompanying economic costs. #Salute #SocialSolitude https://t.co/3pG7M9d8xd

— S K Swamy (@skswamy) March 25, 2020

Listen to @OfficeofUT . He assures is that there is no reason to panic or hoard.
@vijayanpinarayi @CMOKerala @OfficeofUT ❤️
Who thought this will happen? https://t.co/WlofqYIHUg

— Mini Nair (@minicnair) March 24, 2020

My fellow citizens,

THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO NEED TO PANIC.

Essential commodities, medicines etc. would be available. Centre and various state governments will work in close coordination to ensure this.

Together, we will fight COVID-19 and create a healthier India.

Jai Hind!

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 24, 2020

A clear and strong message from PM @narendramodi: a national lockdown is critical at this stage. Reflects the lessons drawn from other countries. Social distancing only solution. Self discipline of India must prevail.

Stay home, break the chain.#IndiaFightsCorona

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (Modi Ka Parivar) (@DrSJaishankar) March 24, 2020

Spoken like a true national leader. Sincere, convincing, powerful, humble & yet firm. Pleaded with folded hands at least 5 times. And totally non-partisan. Just the kind of message India needed at this juncture.#StayHomeIndia

— Shekhar Gupta (@ShekharGupta) March 24, 2020

https://twitter.com/imVkohli/status/1242478162723786753?s=09

Social distancing is extremely critical for each and everyone of us to follow for the next 21 days. Please stay at home & wash your hands regularly, and let’s break the chain. Please don’t panic about essentials, the central & state governments will ensure it#IndiaFightsCorona

— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) March 24, 2020

Let’s fight this together .. we will get over this #corona pic.twitter.com/OTH2iJbPMz

— Sourav Ganguly (@SGanguly99) March 24, 2020