"Holy month of Ramzan has begun. While celebrating Ramzan the previous time, no one would have thought that there would be so many difficulties during Ramzan this time," Modi said while speaking in the 64th edition of his monthly radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat'.

"When the whole world is struggling with the pandemic, it provides us an opportunity to make this Ramzan a symbol of patience, goodwill, sensitivity and service." Modi said this time, let us pray that the world may be freed from the coronavirus by the time of Eid.

Ramadan started on Saturday morning and is expected to culminate on May 24. Over the 30-day period, Muslims fast during the daylight hours, a practice that is seen as one of the five pillars of Islam. The devotees eat before sunrise, and break their fast after dusk each day.

On April 10, the Ministry of Home Affairs had directed all the states and the Union Territories (UTs) not to allow any social or religious gathering and ensure strict compliance of lockdown to contain spread of COVID-19 in the wake of various festivals like Baisakhi, Ambedkar Jayanti, Ramadan and others. The Ministry had directed all states and UTs to ensure strict compliance of lockdown measures to fight COVID-19 and not allow any social and religious gathering or procession.

In continuation of 'Mann Ki Baat', the Prime Minister focussed to improve the immunity amid the pandemic crisis and asked to be careful and taking right precautions. "Do what you can to improve immunity. Keep in mind that our traditional systems offer great methods to do so. Let us make these systems popular and share them in a language in which the world understands," Modi said.

Modi said we have to continue being careful and taking the right precautions and said that the COVID-19 has changed how we view things.

The Prime Minister also expressed happiness over the working of sanitation workers, police forces, doctors, nurses and healthcare workers in the fight against the pandemic which so far has claimed 824 lives.

Shun spitting in public places, PM appeals

As the world struggles to fight the novel coronavirus pandemic, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday appealed to the people to shun the habit of spitting in public places.

Pointing out that it was a case of "better late than never", the Prime Minister said society has understood the negative impact of the spitting habit, which affects health and cleanliness of surroundings.

"We in India always knew that spitting in public places is wrong. Yet, it continued in places. Now is the best time to ensure we do not spit," Modi said in the 64th edition of his monthly radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat'.

"This will increase basic hygiene and strengthen the fight against COVID-19."

The Prime Minister also stressed on wearing of face masks, saying "among the welcome changes in the post-coronavirus era is the awareness on the need to wear masks".

"A mask is something we will have to keep wearing in the times to come. It does not mean the person wearing a mask is unwell; it is just a wise precaution."

India's fight against COVID-19 is people-driven

Speaking in the 64th edition of his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, the Prime Minister said people have been taking lead in various sectors in fight against the deadly virus such as distribution of food to the poor, supply of masks and in following the lockdown measures.

He said that people are rising to the occasion to help each other and stress on the need to wear masks, specially handmade or 'Gamchha' (towel).

The Prime Minister also emphasized to eradicate the habit of spitting in fights against COVID-19.

"Look around, you will see how India has taken up a people-drive battle against COVID-19. India's fight against COVID-19 is people-driven. Every Indian is a soldier in this fight," Modi said.

Noting when the whole world is struggling with this epidemic, the Prime Minister said when it will be discussed in future, its modalities will be discussed.

"I am sure that this people driven fight of India will definitely be discussed."