New Delhi: A day after India crossed the milestone of 100 crore vaccine doses, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was all praise. Narendra Modi said Friday that India’s vaccination programme was ‘science-born, science-driven and science-based’. He asserted that it had been ensured there was no ‘VIP culture’ in the drive.
Modi was addressing the nation Friday. He said that there is confidence in India today in the fight against Covid-19. From various strata of society to the economy, at every level and everywhere, there is ‘optimism, optimism and optimism’, Modi said. He also emphasised that people should not drop their guard during the festive season. Modi appealed to people to continue with Covid appropriate behaviour such as masks.
Experts as well as national and international agencies are very positive about India’s economy, the prime minister stated. He said Indian companies not only getting record investments but employment generation is also taking place.
Taking a dig at critics of his government, Modi recalled that some people had asked how the ‘taali-thaali’ initiative and lighting of ‘diyas’ at the start of the pandemic would help eradicate the virus. The initiatives, he stressed, were a reflection of people’s participation and unity.
Modi also talked about the apprehensions and doubts raised earlier on India’s capacity to fight the pandemic. The PM also noted that the 100 crore vaccine dose milestone is the answer to every question raised by critics. He added that the milestone was not just about a number but a symbol of the country’s capability and a picture of ‘new India’.
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“… it is the writing of a new chapter, a country that knows how to set difficult targets and achieve them. It is a picture of that new India that has the strength to strive for achieving its goals,” Modi asserted. One impact of this milestone would be that the world would consider India safer from coronavirus, he added.
At the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, fears were expressed that it would be very difficult to fight the disease in a democracy like India. It was also asked how would there be the restraint and discipline required to combat the pandemic. However, for us democracy means ‘Sabka Saath’,” Modi pointed out.
Taking everyone along, India had started the campaign of ‘Sabko Vaccine, Muft Vaccine’, he noted. The country, Modi said, had only one mantra. If the disease does not discriminate, then there cannot be any discrimination in the vaccination. “That’s why it was ensured that there is no VIP culture in the vaccination drive,” Modi pointed out.
“No matter how big a post one holds, no matter how rich he or she is, they will get vaccination just as a common person will,” Modi asserted.
“No matter how good the shield is, how modern it is, there may be a guarantee of protection from the shield, but weapons are not laid down till the battle is on,” the prime minister said, urging people to continue wearing masks and follow Covid appropriate behaviour.