Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday urged people of the State to show solidarity towards Covid-19 warriors by singing the ‘Bande Utkala Janani’ at 5:30 PM on Saturday (May 30).
It is believed that the move is a part of expressing gratitude to the frontline workers including doctors, nurses, people’s representatives and others who are now playing a key role in the ongoing fight against the novel coronavirus in the State.
Terming Odisha's battle against COVID-19 successful so far, CM Naveen Patnaik hailed the dedication of the Covid warriors for their selfless service.
It is pertinent to mention here that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also tried to rally the people of country in the ongoing fight against COVID-19 through several such initiatives.
PM Modi had requested citizens to turn off lights for 9 minutes at 9 pm on April 5 and light a candle or a diya or even use the flashlight on one’s mobile as a symbol of country's united fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.
Prior to that, the Prime Minister had urged people to applaud doctors, nurses and health workers by ringing bells, thalis from their balconies.
On May 3, helicopters of Indian Air Force (IAF) and Navy showered flower petals on hospitals in honour of the front-line workers.
Odisha began its fight against COVID-19 at the same time when the virus had impacted most of the developed countries in the world. Our State government’s priority then was to save every single precious life and all our policies and strategies revolve around this single principle, said Patnaik.
Due to early preparations and stern actions, Odisha has set an example in the world in COVID-19 management. The State’s mortality rate is much lower compared globally. Similarly, nearly 50 % of the COVID-19 patients have recovered in the State.
According to Patnaik, several other States in the country are also struggling in their fight against the coronavirus. However, Odisha is placed in a much advantageous position despite influx of lakhs of migrants to the State. This has only been possible due to the sheer determination and dedication of COVID warriors.
Also Read: COVID-19 Cases In India: 6566 new cases, 194 deaths in last 24 hours
(Edited By Bikram Keshari Jena)