Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 27 addressed the 78th edition of his radio programme Mann Ki Baat. He warned against COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and urged people to get inoculated.
"Don't believe in rumours about COVID-19 vaccine. Trust science and our scientists," he said during Mann ki Baat.
Here are key highlights of PM Modi's address:
PM Modi hailed the feat of most vaccination doses administered in a single day on June 21 at the start of the new phase of inoculation, under which all adults are being given free jabs.
He also spoke to residents of Dulariya village in Betul district of Madhya Pradesh and counselled them to take the vaccine amidst their doubts about the exercise.
He highlighted that both he and his nearly 100-year-old mother have taken both doses of the vaccine, and asked people not to believe in rumours and trust science and scientists. "The threat of COVID-19 remains and we have to focus on vaccination as well as follow COVID-19 protocols," he said.
The Prime Minister also paid tributes and remembered the contribution of Indian sprint legend Milkha Singh, who died earlier this month. Modi hailed Singh's contribution to Indian sports and said he will always cherish his interactions with the athlete.
In the view of the Tokyo Olympics, Modi shared the struggles and triumphs of Olympics-bound Indian athletes and said that people must not build any pressure on these sportspersons but "cheer for India".
"Every athlete who is going to Tokyo has worked hard. They are going there to win hearts. It must be our endeavour to support our team and not put pressure on the team," he said.
Modi also noted that CA Bhavani Devi is the first Indian fencer to qualify in the Olympics. "Every player going to Tokyo has had one’s own share of struggle, and years of toil. They are going not only for themselves but for the country," he said.
With the Monsoon approaching, Modi also touched upon the importance of water conservation. "When the clouds rain, they rain not only for us but also for the generations to come. And that's why I consider water conservation as a form of service to the country. Friends, we can also conserve water around us, in whatever way possible… we should save it. We must not miss this crucial period of the monsoon season," he said.
