New Delhi: After crossing the 100 crore vaccine doses, the country is surging ahead with a new zeal and renewed energy, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "The success of our vaccine programme displays the capability of India…manifests the might of our collective endeavour."
"The 100 crore vaccine doses might surely be enormous, but there are lakhs of tiny inspirational and pride-evoking experiences, numerous examples that are associated with it. Many people are asking in their letters how, with the commencement itself of the vaccine, I had developed the belief that this campaign would achieve such a huge success! I had this firm faith since I am well acquainted with the capabilities of my country and people. I knew that our healthcare workers would leave no stone unturned to make the vaccination drive a success," he said.
Health workers, through their tireless efforts and resolve, set a new example and established a new benchmark in service to humanity through innovation and sheer determination, he lauded.
There are innumerable instances about them that convey how they crossed all hurdles and provided the security shield to the maximum number of people, he pointed out. "We’ve often read in newspapers, heard elsewhere as well how hard our people have worked to undertake this task; numerous inspiring examples are there in front of us, one better than the other."
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"Today in Mann ki Baat, I want to introduce to the listeners, one such healthcare worker, Poonam Nautiyal ji from Bageshwar in Uttarakhand. She is from Bageshwar, which accomplished the task of administering cent per cent of the first dose. The government of Uttarakhand also rightfully deserves accolades since it’s a remote area with difficult terrain. Similarly, Himachal, too, has completed the task of cent-per cent doses amid such difficulties. I am given to understand that Poonam ji has persevered day and night for the vaccination of people in her area," he said
The birth anniversary of Sardar Patel is being celebrated as National Unity Day on October 31. Sardar Sahab used to say: “We can take our country to loftier heights only through our united efforts. If we don’t have unity amongst ourselves, we will get entangled in ever new calamities,” he recalled.
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India has always strived for world peace, he said and added that the country has been on a peacekeeping mission continuously since the 1950s. India is also playing a leading role in addressing issues related to poverty alleviation, climate change and workers. Apart from this, India is working closely with World Health Organisation (WHO) to popularise Yoga and AYUSH. In March 2021, WHO announced that a Global Centre for Traditional Medicine would be set up in India.
He further stated that in the Central Armed Police Forces, the number of women has almost doubled in the last seven years. He said that he is not talking just about numbers. Today the women of the country are performing even the toughest duties with full force and zeal. For example, many of them are currently undergoing one of the most difficult training, that of Specialised Jungle Warfare Commandos. They will be a part of our Cobra Battalion. "Today when we go to airports, metro stations or see government offices, brave women of CISF are seen guarding every sensitive place."
He recalled the contribution of 'Bhagwan' Birsa Munda towards the country and said that he fought to protect nature, jungles and land. Bhagwan Birsa Munda is also known as 'Dharti Aaba'. Do you know what this epithet means? It means the father of Earth." "Birsa Munda fought to protect his own nature, jungle, his land. I bow to Birsa Munda. The valuable contribution of Munda ji has helped me fall in love with nature and the environment. Munda ji is an inspiration to many," he said.
