After months of misery created by the second Covid wave, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the milestone as a “ray of optimism,” saying that the festival season and the country’s self-reliance strategy will revitalise the economy and increase people’s confidence.
Modi said the 100-crore milestone was “not just a number,” but a sign of the country’s potential, as he addressed the nation on Friday morning. He said that India’s “tough but amazing” victory had silenced detractors who had raised doubts about the country’s ability to combat the virus. The Prime Minister, on the other hand, warned that people should stay vigilant and vigilant, especially in the coming weeks, until the epidemic is totally defeated.
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“Do you remember last Diwali, when there was a lot of tension in the air? However, thanks to 100 crore vaccination shots, there is a sense of security this Diwali. If my country’s immunizations can protect me, then its goods can make my Diwali spectacular. The Diwali deals are unique. During Diwali and the festive season, sales skyrocket. “For all of us, especially our tiny shops, entrepreneurs, and street vendors, this figure of 100 crore vaccination doses has arrived as a ray of hope,” he remarked.
The policy of Atmanirbhar Bharat, he claimed, was the key to this revival. “There was a time when everything was ‘Made in’ this or that nation. However, now, every Indian citizen recognises the immense significance of the phrase “Made in India.” As a result, I once again implore you to insist on buying anything that is Made in India, and that is made with the sweat of an Indian. And only with everyone’s help can this be achieved. We would have to buy made-in-India items and be outspoken about local, since the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan is a public movement,” he added.
The Prime Minister, on the other hand, advised people to be “always cautious” and to maintain wearing masks. “Ways are not given up while the conflict is on, no matter how good the cover is, no matter how contemporary the armour is, even if armour provides a total assurance of safety.” This is my request: we must observe extreme prudence when celebrating our holidays. In terms of masks, now that designer masks are available, we must wear them in the same manner that we wear shoes when we go out. Those who have not yet received their vaccinations should make it a top priority. Those who have received vaccinations should serve as role models for others. “I am certain that if we all work together, we will soon be able to overcome Corona,” he says.
The 100-crore mark has arrived at a time when there is “belief, passion, and energy all around,” according to Modi. “India’s economy is seen favourably by many experts and authorities both at home and internationally. Not only are Indian firms drawing record investment, but they are also creating new job prospects for the youth. Start-ups are becoming unicorns as a result of record investments. “There’s a lot of new enthusiasm in the housing business,” he added.
The Prime Minister praised the government’s “good efforts” during this time, “whether it’s economic-social activities, sports, tourism, or entertainment.” “From GatiShakti to the new drone policy, the many changes and measures made in the previous several months would play a crucial role in assisting India’s economy to expand quicker.” During the period, our economy was solidly in place thanks to the farm industry. Today, government procurement of food grains is at an all-time high, with money flowing straight into farmers’ bank accounts,” he added.
“It will gain additional momentum and vigour throughout the upcoming Christmas season,” Modi stated. Concerns were made during the beginning stages of the vaccine programme, he recalled, regarding whether “India and the people of India” had the “control and discipline required” for such a large-scale operation.
“When the world’s worst epidemic in a century struck, doubts about India began to surface. Is India capable of combating the global pandemic? Where will India acquire the funds to purchase such a large number of vaccinations from foreign countries? When will the vaccination be available in India? Will India’s citizens get the vaccination or not? Will India be able to vaccine enough people in time to prevent a pandemic? There were a lot of questions, but the 100-crore vaccination doses are now answering all of them,” Modi remarked.
Meanwhile, “VIP culture did not dominate” the drive, he noted. “With everyone on board, the country launched the ‘Vaccine for All’, ‘Free Vaccine’ campaign. Whether poor or wealthy, rural or urban, the country had just one mantra: if the illness does not discriminate, then neither should the immunisation. As a result, the VIP culture was not allowed to dominate the vaccine campaign. “No matter what position someone has or how wealthy they are, they will receive immunizations exactly like regular folks,” he stated.
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Those who questioned measures like pounding dishes and burning lamps to demonstrate sympathy with health workers were also addressed by the Prime Minister. “In the country’s fight against the epidemic, we made public engagement our foremost force, making them the first line of defence.” People have expressed their belief that taali-thaali will aid in the virus’s eradication. However, it was a reflection of people’s willingness to participate and their ability to do so. This achievement demonstrates the value of technology, which even large nations have yet to attain. Our vaccination programme is the product of technological advancements. It is founded on science, is driven by science, and is based on science. “At the heart of it is science and a scientific approach,” he remarked.
