Apologise to nation for lockdown but this is only way to fight COVID-19: PM Modi on Mann Ki Baat

"I apologise to the nation for taking some hard decisions that have caused inconvenience to the common man. I believe you will forgive me. I had to take these steps to ensure your protection," PM Modi said during his monthly radio address Mann ki Baat.

"People must be thinking that what kind of PM I am ...Many are also angry with me to force you to stay indoors. But lockdown is the only solution right now. Many people are still defying lockdown... this is sad..," he said

"Those who are defying lockdown are playing with their own lives," he added.

In a different take of the Mann Ki Baat this Sunday, Modi spoke to various people who were infected with the deadly COVID-19, allowing them to share how they abided to all restrictions and recovered from the infection.

He also spoke to doctors on how they are taking care of such patients while maintaining the team spirit without fearing for their lives.

PM Modi thanked all those medical workers, doctors, delivery agents and sanitation workers for the relentless service during this lockdown period.

The Prime Minister also urged people not to behave indiscriminately with such 'frontline soldiers' who are treating the Coronavirus patients.

"It is not fair to discriminate against those under quarantine. Follow social distancing, do not end social interaction or humanity. This is the time to infuse new life in your relationships," he said.

PM Modi said this is an opportunity to dedicate more time to family, relationships, old passions and emotional needs.

"Increase social distancing and decrease the emotional distance," said he.

1.3 billion people in India are witnessing lockdown since Wednesday to respond to the Prime Minister's call to stop the spread of the deadly virus, which has crippled several nations including the developed ones.

The 21-day lockdown was called on Tuesday after people across the country observed "Janata Curfew" on March 22 in response to PM's call for the same.

As a measure to stop the spread of Coronavirus, Modi-led central government has already suspended all international and domestic flights till Apr 14.

Train services have also been suspended.

The inter-state bus services are not available to the Indians making it tough for the migrant workers to travel back to their native lands though the government has urged all people to remain wherever they were.

Essential services which include grocery shops, pharmacies, media, banks and ATMs have been exempted from the lockdown to help people to buy the basic commodities and materials.

In another step to help the poorer sections, Modi on Saturday announced "Prime Minister's Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund" or "PM Cares Fund" for donations to fight against the Novel Coronavirus in India.

Modi took to Twitter to appeal to people to contribute to the fund to fight against the virus which has kept the country as well as the globe on edge.

So far, India registered 959 positive cases of COVID-19 and 23 deaths across the country.