PM Modi's "Mann ki Baat" comes at a time the country is battling the second wave of Covid (File)
The 76th edition of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's monthly radio address "Mann Ki Baat" comes at a time when the country is facing a deadly sweep of the second wave of coronavirus - believed to more contagious than the previous ones and an election in West Bengal.
States, battling this unprecedented surge in cases, have been flagging an acute shortage of oxygen, beds and medicines for Covid patients as crematoriums are overwhelmed by the large number of fatalities.
The Election Commission, taking note of the health crisis, has banned all rallies and campaigns in Bengal and only allowed meetings to be held with no more than 500 people.
In the March edition of the broadcast, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke about India's Covid vaccination programme as the country marked a year of the "Janata Curfew" that was announced on March 23, 2020 to curb the spread of the deadly coronavirus.
As the world celebrated the International Day of Women in March, PM Modi said he is "happy that daughters are creating a niche for themselves in sports and other segments in life."
Here are the highlights of PM Modi's Mann Ki Baat:
- My dear countrymen, Namaskar. Today I am talking to you about 'Mann Ki Baat', at a time when Corona is testing our patience; it is testing the limits of all of us at enduring misery
- Many of our near and dear ones have left us untimely. After successfully confronting the first wave of coronavirus, the country was full of enthusiasm and self-confidence. But this storm has shaken the country.
- Friends, to deal with this crisis in the past, I have had a long discussion with experts from different sectors
- Be it the people from our pharma industry, vaccine manufacturers, people involved in the production of oxygen or those with knowledge of the medical field, everyone has given their important suggestions to the government
- At this time, to win this battle, we have to accord priority to expert and scientific advice. The Government of India is fully engaged in taking forward the efforts of the state governments. The state governments are also trying their best to fulfill their responsibilities
- Friends, the country's doctors and health workers are fighting a huge battle against coronavirus at this time. In the last one year they have had all kinds of experiences about this disease
- Friends, I urge you all to get information from the right source if you want any information or have any apprehensions. Your family doctor, doctors around you, you can contact them by phone. Please consult them
- Many doctors are providing information to people through social media. They are also counseling on the phone, WhatsApp. There are many hospital websites where this information is available, and where you can consult the doctors as well. This is very admirable
- Friends, in this hour of crisis, everyone is understanding the importance of vaccines. So, I urge you to not fall for any rumors about the vaccines
- Now the country's corporate sector, companies will also play a role in vaccinating their employees
- You must all know by now that the Government of India has sent vaccines to states free of cost to inoculate those above 45. Now from May 1, vaccines will be available for all above the age of 18
- I urge the states to extend the benefit of the Centre's free vaccine campaign to as many people as possible in their state
- I want to say that the government's free vaccination drive which is currently underway will continue
- Friends, we all know how difficult it gets for us to take care of ourselves, our families mentally in times of illness. But, the nursing staff of our hospitals, are doing the same thing, continuously, for so many patients simultaneously. This sense of service is a great strength of our society
- Along with doctors and nurses, lab technicians and ambulance drivers are working the front lines like a god. The country must know about their services, their experience
- My dear countrymen, it is true that many people are getting infected with coronavirus, but at the same time the number of people recovering from this infection is equally high
- In these challenging times, voluntary organizations from different corners of the country are coming forward and trying to do whatever they can to help others
- This time, a new-found awareness is being seen in the villages. By strictly following the Covid rules, people are protecting their villages from the virus. Proper arrangements are also being made for those who are coming from outside
- On one hand, the country is working day and night for hospitals, ventilators and medicines and on the other hand, the people of the country are fighting the challenge on their own. This spirit gives us so much strength, so much confidence. Whatever efforts are being made, they are a great service to the society. They increase the power of the society
- My dear countrymen, today we based the episode of 'Mann Ki Baat' completely on the coronavirus epidemic, because, today, our biggest priority is to defeat this disease
- The country is once again united and fighting against Corona! As citizens, we will perform our duties as efficiently as we can in our lives. Freed from the crisis, we will move on the path of future equally fast
- I once again urge all of you to get vaccinated and to take full care. "Dawai Bhi, Kadai Bhi" - never forget this mantra. Get vaccinated and maintain all precautions. We will soon prevail together over this calamity. We will together come out of this disaster soon