The nation on Sunday has enthusiastically welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 5 minutes gratitude call at 5 pm for those working amid the spread of deadly novel coronavirus.

People took it to streets and balconies clapping and beating utensils in unison supporting the PM’s call. Some even chanted Bhajans to support the morale of those working in the situation.

President of India, Ram Nath Kovind along with his family came forward to actively participate in PM’s initiative.

Among the prominent political figures who actively participated in the ‘call of gratitude’ was Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad.

Posting a video on Twitter featuring himself with others in which Prasad was seen clapping, he said, “Paid my gratitude to Doctors, medical staff, Air India and Air Force, security and emergency service personnel who r rendering a great service in India’s fight against coronavirus. Entire country stood united on the appeal of PM Narendra Modi.”

“We shall overcome,” he said.

BJP MP Rajyavardhan Rahore also tweeted about his participation in the initiative.

“Thank you doctors, medical staff and all officials for protecting us. Thank you citizens of India for uniting against coronavirus,” he said.

In the video, Rathore was seen blowing conch-shell to express gratitude to the officials working to fight down the deadly virus.

Retired IPS officer and current Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry, Kiran Bedi with other officials was seen outside Raj Niwas ringing bell in support of PM’s ‘gratitude call’.

“We thank PMOIndia for bringing the country together in a sense of gratitude for all those wwho serve against all odds. Also seek forgiveness from Mother Earth for all the sufferings she is going through because of over exploitation,” she said.

https://twitter.com/ianuragthakur/status/1241701508938260481

Interestingly Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray along with his minister son Aaditya Thackeray and wife Rashmi Thackeray participated in the call along with his other officials.

He expressed gratitude to those working tirelessly to combat the crisis.

https://twitter.com/CMOMaharashtra/status/1241706797498388480

A few months ago till the Maharashtra Assembly election results, Thackeray was a close ally of BJP. After unresolved issue over the chief ministership, he parted ways from BJP and joined hands with  NCP and Congress in the state to form the government.

However, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar also participated in the PM Modi’s gratitude call by clapping hands along with his family members.

In a tweet in Hindi, he said, “This is a beckoning for thanksgiving as well as for the beginning of a long struggle. Let’s tie up ourselves in social distancing for a long struggle to be followed.”

Akhilesh Mishra, CEO BlueKraft also posted a video of his society where the people were seen actively participating in the call.

The Deputy Commissioner of Gurugram also posted a video showing the citizens actively participating in the gratitude call.

Not only the politicians but the Delhi Airport also participated enthusiastically in the ‘gratitude call’.

“Applauds for the Acclaimed!” the airport authorities and passengers participated in the initiative.

Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) also joined in PM’s call as in a video posted by DMRC, the workers living in the official quarters were seen clapping hands for those working to combat the crisis.

DMRC has already called off all its metro train services till March 31 in view of the ongoing coronavirus crisis.

How did citizens respond?

PM Modi’s call was actively addressed by the citizens across the nation. Here are some of the tweets showing how active they were at 5 pm.

https://twitter.com/centerofright/status/1241702488639557633

A user took flute to express his thanks with melodious bhajan.

A glimpse of Noida Sector 77.

This kid got a unique style to express thanks.

https://twitter.com/Dazzlingdrums/status/1241708708725325826

https://twitter.com/mahendr46642796/status/1241701690954223616