Vax milestone shows trust of every Indian in system, scientists: PM

Amid the fear of the spread of the Omicron variant of coronavirus, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the vaccination milestone shows trust of every Indian in the system and scientists and that “awareness and self-discipline” are the country’s strengths in fighting against the novel variant.

Addressing the nation on the 84th episode and the last of this year of his monthly radio programme “Mann Ki Baat”, the Prime Minister said the country is well-prepared for the new variant of the virus and Indian scientists are working on the mutating virus.

“We also have to keep in mind that a new variant of coronavirus has already knocked at the door. Our scientists are continuously studying this new Omicron variant. They are getting new data every day, their suggestions are being worked upon,” Modi said.

In a situation like this, Modi said, “Self-awareness and self-discipline are the country’s strengths in fighting against this variant of coronavirus. It is this very collective strength of ours that will defeat Covid; with this very sense of responsibility, we have to enter into 2022.”

Modi touched a range of issues and praised a number of inspiring people working hard to make the society and the country better “away from glare of media” and publicity.

Modi said it is the strength of the people; it is because of “everyone’s effort’ that India could fight “the biggest pandemic in a 100 years.”

“Crossing the 140 million vaccine dose mark is an achievement of each and every Indian. This shows the trust of every Indian in the system; shows trust in science and in scientists; and is also a testament to the willpower of we Indians who are fulfilling our responsibilities towards the society,” he said.

“Our experience of the last two years is that our own effort as a citizen is very important to defeat this global pandemic. Our scientists are continuously studying this new Omicron variant. They are getting new data everyday their suggestions are being worked upon.”

Modi paid tribute to Indian Air Force pilot Varun Singh, who succumbed to his injuries earlier this month.

“In the battle of Mahabharata, Bhagwan Shri Krishna expressed to Arjuna — ‘Nabhah Sprisham Deeptam’ i.e. touch the sky with pride. This is also the motto of the Indian Air Force. Many lives engaged in the service of Maa Bharati soar over these heights of the sky with pride every day; they teach us a lot. Such was the life of Group Captain Varun Singh who was flying the helicopter that fell prey to a mishap this month in Tamil Nadu,” the Prime Minister said and quoted his letter to the children where he asked them to never be daunted by failures.

“Varun did not boast of his valour; instead he referred to his failures. He talked about how he converted his shortcomings into abilities. At one place in this letter he has written “You may be mediocre in school but it is by no means a measure of things to come in life. Find your calling — it could be art, music, graphic design, literature, etc. Whatever you work towards, be dedicated, do your best. Never go to bed, thinking, I could have put-in more efforts.”