‘Janata Curfew’ trends on second anniversary

On this day (March 22) in 2020, the country observed Janata Curfew upon a call given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The whole country was shut down on that Sunday in an attempt to defeat the Covid-19 virus. 

The day has been documented by everyone from historians to Netizens. The curfew ended with crores of Indians clapping their hands to show solidarity with paramedics and doctors. “At 5 p.m. that day, all citizens were asked to stand in their doorways, balconies or windows, and clap their hands or ring their bells in appreciation for the professionals delivering these essential services,” Wikipedia says. 

Today, #JantaCurfew started trending across social media platforms. Many Netizens are also mocking the day, saying that the PM announced it as a token gesture. “It was not worthwhile at all. It was all drama,” critics have said. Supporters are saying that the banging of plates and clapping were done by citizens to express unity, not because it was a strategy to defeat the virus.