NEW DELHI: The "maturity and seriousness" shown by the public during the lockdown to stem the spread of coronavirus is unprecedented, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said today, a day after millions of people across the country switched off non-essential lights and lit diyas (earthen lamps) and candles in their balconies and verandas following a call from PM Modi to show solidarity with the country's fight against coronavirus or COVID-19.

Addressing BJP workers on video on the party's 40th foundation day, PM Modi said: "It is going to be a long haul, we do not have to tire, our resolve and mission are to emerge victorious in fight against this pandemic."

India's coronavirus death count crossed 100 today, with over 4,000 people being infected. "We got to see our collective strength on Sunday evening," he said referring to Sunday's countrywide exercise to switch off lights and illuminate diyas for nine minutes to show India's collective strength to fight the deadly virus.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sent out a message on coronavirus to BJP workers on the party's 40th foundation day, asking them to follow the guidelines and "help those in need and reaffirm the importance of social distancing". "We mark our party's 40th anniversary when India is battling COVID-19.

I appeal to BJP Karyakartas to follow the set of guidelines from our party president JP Nadda-ji, help those in need and reaffirm the importance of social distancing. Let's make India COVID-19-free," PM Modi said in a series of tweets.