Need To Make Coronavirus Crisis "Turning Point": PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said the coronavirus crisis must become a turning point for the country and reinforce the mission for Atma Nirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India). Addressing business leaders of Bengal, PM Modi also said it was possible for "People, Planet and Profit" to co-exist and flourish together.

"Our country has gone through multiple challenges. We are fighting coronavirus, but many other crises have emerged. Floods, locusts, a fire in oil fields, earthquakes, and cyclones in two different parts of the country," PM Modi said, addressing the Indian Chamber of Commerce in Kolkata via video.

"We have to turn these crises into an opportunity, we have to make it a turning point. Corona has given us the opportunity to turn India self-reliant," he said.

"Our resolve and our strength is the biggest cure for our problems."

The Prime Minister said the country would have to make efforts to ensure that products that it is forced to import are manufactured in India and eventually, exported to other countries.

"India's goal of self-reliance has been paramount in the policy and practice of the country. The COVID-19 crisis gave us lessons on how to speed up efforts in that direction," said the PM.

He added: "People-centric, people-driven and planet-friendly development has become part of our governance."

PM Modi made many references to Bengal as he addressed industry leaders of the state for the first time in years. "Kolkata can again become a big leader. What Bengal thinks today, India thinks tomorrow," he said.

Today's session with the eastern India-focused business body comes at a significant time for Bengal, which is battling the virus crisis and the impact of cyclone Amphan just months before assembly polls due next year.

"Bhalo Thakben (stay well)," said the Prime Minister as he closed his address.