Dear Ram, Every nation goes through a testing time. This is ours. When Prime Minister Modi addressed us, he appealed for Sayyam and Sankalp: resolve and restraint, as India battles one of the biggest challenges we have ever faced as a country. The Coronavirus pandemic is going to test us in many ways. How much empathy do we have towards the most marginalised? Do we truly care about our neighbours? It will test how we treat the elderly, the healthcare workers, the domestic workers, the daily wage earners, the homeless. After years of putting ourselves first, it's now time to put others' needs ahead of our own. Will we pass this test? It's only the beginning of the crisis and already many people have begun hoarding essential food items. Hand sanitisers and masks are out of stock. And despite all the government advisories, some people are openly defying all calls for caution by gathering in large numbers. Come on, India. Let's rise above our own needs and be selfless. Our birth as a nation - our entire struggle for Independence - was a selfless act. Our history and mythology is filled with stories of people making immense sacrifices for the larger good. We've got this! We can't stand together physically but we can do so in spirit. Support our government's efforts as much as we can in this crisis. Come Sunday, let's observe the janta curfew - a self-imposed curfew by the public - on March 22 between 7:00 am and 9:00 pm. Stop hoarding and panic buying. Tip the delivery boys more. Postpone those routine check-ups at the hospital. Be considerate of those we employ, our domestic helps, drivers and security guards. Most importantly, stay home. If you can't meet people in person, go online. Connect with the world. Use the power of the internet for social good. Like Srushti, who started this campaign for doctors and nurses at the battle frontlines to get protective gear, as they risk exposure to the Coronavirus while caring for the infected. Ram, sign her petition or start your own telling the government what else needs to be done to help India fight the pandemic. And don't forget to show up on your balconies or doorsteps on Sunday evening when we as a nation salute those working in essential services, going beyond the call of duty in the times of the Coronavirus. We are in this together. Thank you,
Nida Hasan
Country Director, Change.org India | 
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