PM Modi speaking to the nation said, "I apologize for taking these harsh steps which have caused difficulties in your lives, especially the poor. I know some of you would be angry with me also. But these tough measures were needed to win this battle."
"The battle against Covid-19 is a tough one and it required such harsh decisions. It is important to keep the people of India safe," he added.
PM Modi also explained the threat of the Covid-19 posing to humanity and said "Coronavirus is posing a challenge to knowledge, science, rich-poor, strong-weak alike. It is not confined to any nation's borders, nor does it makes the distinction of region or season."
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In his address, PM Modi also urged Indians to show courage and resolve, follow "Lakshman rekha" for several days more.
"Coronavirus is bent on killing people therefore entire humanity must unite and resolve to eliminate it."
In his monthly address to the nation, PM Modi stressed on the importance of maintaining 'social distancing' and 'not emotional and human distance' to combat coronavirus pandemic.
"We have to maintain social distance, not emotional and human distance. Social distance doesn't mean stopping of social interaction," PM Modi said.
He further asked every citizen--"to not victimise those in home quarantine" as this is a sensitive matter and we must understand it.
"I was extremely hurt when I came to know that some people are misbehaving with those who are being advised home quarantine. We need to be sensitive and understanding. Increase social distancing but reduce emotional distancing," PM Narendra Modi said.
PM Narendra Modi Modi also praised the front-line workers in the fight against the virus as well as countless workers in the essential services who are ensuring the country doesn't come to a complete standstill in the 21-day lockdown announced on March 24.
"I seek forgiveness .. I am sure you will forgive me that you had to undergo so much trouble. Some people will say what kind of prime minister is this but these are special circumstances. You had to undergo problems I understand but there is no other way out to fight the coronavirus," PM Narendra Modi said. "But this is a battle for life and death."
The latest episode of PM Narendra Modi's Mann Ki Baat focused on the situation prevailing due to Covid-19. The address lasted more than 30 minutes and featured two patients who recovered from coronavirus and a doctor.