New Delhi

A day after India achieved the 1 billion vaccine administration mark, Prime Minister Modi today addressed the nation and congratulated Indians for this great feat. He said the drive was carried out with the spirit of sabka sath sabka vikas. He also wished people ahead of the upcoming festivals and asked them not to be complacent in the war against Covid-19.

In his 20-minute address to the nation PM Modi reminded people that there were days when India had to import vaccines for various countries to control the diseases but during the pandemic India came up with its own vaccines and paved the way for the world to follow. He said it is due to this determination and success that there is a feeling of optimism everywhere.

All worries of how will India afford expensive vaccines, where will it source it from were set aside as India became an exemplary success. India became an example for many other countries, which are still struggling with the administration of the vaccines. He also took a dig at people who ridiculed the PM’s call for thali bajao to enthuse people. He said such motivation was quite effective for the success of the drive.

He underlined that during the 1 billion vaccination mark there was no discrimination on the basis of religion or wealth. The drive was achieved with the spirit of “sabka sath sabka vikas.” Both rich and poor were given an equal opportunity to get vaccinated irrespective of how influential the person may be.

Emphasising on the scientific approach of India amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that it is a matter of pride that the vaccination programme was "science-born, science-driven and science-based".

PM Modi said, "India's entire COVID vaccination programme is born in the womb of science, has grown on scientific grounds and has reached all four directions through scientific methods.

It is a matter of pride for all of us that the entire vaccination programme has been science born, science-driven and science-based. From the development of vaccines to inoculation, science has been the base for all processes." The Prime Minister also warned that complacency can be dangerous, and caution regarding COVID-19 should continue.

"No matter how good the shield is, no matter how modern the armour is, even if the armour gives a complete guarantee of protection, weapons should not be thrown away while the battle is still on.

I request that we have to celebrate our festivals with the utmost care," he said. He further asserted that the 100-crore vaccine landmark is symbolic of the country's strength. "100 crore vaccine doses is not only a figure, but it is also a reflection of the country's strength. It is the creation of a new chapter in history.

This is a picture of a New India that knows how to achieve difficult goals," he further asserted. On October 21, India achieved the difficult but extraordinary target of 1 billion, 100 crore vaccine doses. Meanwhile, more than 100.59 crore vaccine doses have been administered so far to eligible beneficiaries, as per the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.