New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said the impact made by the "once in a lifetime pandemic is huge and our planet will not be the same after COVID-19."
He was delivering a keynote address on the occasion of Vesak Global Celebrations on Buddha Purnima through a video conference.
Speaking on the occasion, Modi said Vesak is a day to celebrate the life of Lord Buddha and to reflect on the noble ideals and sacrifices he made for the betterment of our planet. He dedicated last year’s Vesak day programme to all the front-line workers leading humanity's fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
"A year later, COVID-19 has still not left us. This once-in-a-lifetime pandemic has brought tragedy and suffering to the doorstep of many and has impacted every nation. The economic impact left by the pandemic is huge and our planet will not be the same after COVID-19, he said.
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He said there have been several noteworthy improvements as well over the last year, like having a better understanding of the pandemic, which strengthens our strategy to fight it and having the vaccine, which is absolutely important to save lives and defeat the pandemic. He lauded the efforts of the scientists for developing the COVID-19 vaccines within a year and said this shows the power of human determination and tenacity.
The Prime Minister said that the four sights in the life of Lord Buddha ignited within him the desire to devote his life to removing human suffering. He said that in the last year, several individuals and organisations rose to the occasion and did everything possible to reduce human suffering. Generous contributions of equipment and materials were made by the Buddhist organisations and followers of Buddha Dharma from around the world. He remarked that these actions are in line with the teachings of Lord Buddha.
Modi said while fighting COVID-19, one must not lose sight of the other challenges faced by humanity such as climate change, etc. He said the reckless lifestyles of the present generation are threatening the future generations and resolved not to let the planet remain wounded. He reminded Lord Buddha’s emphasis on a way of life where respect for Mother Nature is paramount. He announced that India is among the few large economies to be on track to achieve the Paris targets. He said for India, sustainable living is not only about the right words but also about the right actions.
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The Prime Minister remarked that the life of Buddha was about peace, harmony and co-existence. "But today, there are forces whose existence depends on spreading hate, terror and mindless violence," he said, adding such forces do not believe in liberal democratic principles. He gave a call for all those who "believe in humanity" to come together and defeat terror and radicalisation. He said Lord Buddha's teachings and the importance given to social justice can become a global unifying force.
The Prime Minister said Lord Buddha was the reservoir of brilliance for the entire universe. From him, we all could draw light from time to time and take the path of compassion, universal responsibility and welfare. Quoting Mahatma Gandhi, he said, “Buddha taught us to defy appearances and trust in the final triumph of Truth and Love”.
Modi thanked the first responders, front-line health care workers, doctors, nurses and volunteers for selflessly risking their lives to serve others in need every day. He expressed condolences to those who suffered and lost their near and dear ones to the virus.
Members of Venerated Mahasangha, Prime Ministers of Nepal and Sri Lanka, Union Ministers Shri Prahlad Singh and Shri Kiren Rijiju, Secretary-General of International Buddhist Confederation and doctor Dhammapiya were also at the event.
