New Delhi: Reiterating that vaccines are the path to our victory against COVID-19, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that India is moving forward with the pledge of "service and cooperation" while maintining social distancing and wearing masks.
The Prime Minister, while addressing the 77th episode of his monthly radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat' today said, "The global pandemic has plagued the whole world, so many people have lost their loved ones. Even big countries were not spared from its devastation. In the midst of this pandemic, India is moving forward with the resolve of service and cooperation."
Reiterating his request to people to follow COVID appropriate behaviour, he said, "In the first wave, we fought courageously; this time too India will be victorious in the ongoing fight against the virus. Be it social distancing, rules related to masks, or vaccines, there should be no letup in our efforts. This indeed is the path to our victory."
He also requested people to send him suggestions regarding the topics to be discussed on the next 'Mann Ki Baat'.
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PM also thanked drivers of cryogenic oxygen tankers, COVID warriors who helped the country during the second wave of the pandemic by working on a war footing.
During the programme, PM Modi conversed with a liquid oxygen tanker driver Dinesh Upadhyay and Shirisha Gajni, a loco pilot of Oxygen Express.
Upadhyay who hails from Jaunpur in Uttar Pradesh expressed satisfaction at saving the lives of lakhs of people through his work.
Upadhyay said that during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, people recognised the dangers and importance of his work, and gave him lots of love and respect.
"Earlier, the driver of oxygen tankers used to get stuck in traffic jams here and there, but now, the administration also helped us a lot. And wherever we go, we aim to quickly reach our destination and save the lives of the people," said Upadhyay.
"We try to reach hospitals as soon as possible and are greeted by families of patients and staff at hospitals showing us victory signs and welcoming us," he added.
The radio programme comes on the day when Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led BJP government at the Centre is completing 7 years in power.
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The programme is broadcast on the entire network of All India Radio and Doordarshan and also on the AIR News website www.newsonair.com and newsonair Mobile App.
"Mann ki Baat" is the Prime Minister's monthly radio address to the nation, which is broadcast on the last Sunday of every month.
With input from agencies
