Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation through his monthly radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat' on Sunday.
PM Modi began the programme by saying “India had been careful and now we should be more careful. We all are following 'do gaj ki doori', staying home and using masks. Our Seva Bhakti attitude is part of India's philosophy and we have witnessed it in coronavirus outbreak. Those who are determined towards helping others never suffer.”
Stating with the example PM Modi said, “C Mohan from Tamil Nadu spent money, Rs 5 lakh, towards helping people amid the outbreak and there are many instances. Along with these examples, there are Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) who are working in the pandemic”.
Stating further about the spread of the COVID-19, he explained, “India's population is more than other nations in the world, despite that we have battled it well. We have suffered but everyone is determined to handle it. No section of our nation is untouched by the crisis. Migrants, labourers and poor and are badly hit.”
"It is vital to be even more careful now. Every citizen from the country has played his or her part in the fight against COVID-19. India's Seva Shakti is noticeable in the battle against COVID-19," PM Modi addressed.
PM Modi focusing on innovation amid the pandemic said, “In order to turn any condition, a certain of innovation is compulsory along with strong determination. After thousands of years, the humankind has touched modern age through innovation.”
While shedding a light on fighting the coronavirus with the help of yoga and Ayurveda, PM Modi explained, “This is a tested time. Ayurveda and yoga are good practices to accept during the COVID-19 outbreak, as they help to make the strong respiratory system.”
PM Modi also expressed his thoughts on the Amphan cyclone which recently hit West Bengal and Odisha. “On the one hand we are fighting COVID-19 but we have to also fight against things like Amphan. I went to West Bengal and Odisha to monitor the situation. I am standing in every effort with people of the states.” “Even a small creature can create so much harm too,” PM Modi said, referring to locusts.
Focusing on the centre’s Ayushman Bharat Yojana, PM Modi said, "Since a long time, millions of poor people are in a disaster, whether to get treated or not. For the same, Ayushman Bharat Yojana was launched and till date over 1 crore people have profited from the scheme with Rs 24,000 crore spent on the scheme.
He also highlighted the importance of saving water during monsoon.
PM Modi's address comes a day after the one-year anniversary of the second term of his BJP government.
Meanwhile, the Centre on Saturday extended the nationwide lockdown considering a number of coronavirus cases are rising in the country. The government also announced the graded lifting of restrictions in areas except for the containment zones in the nation.
