Modi hails ‘people-driven war’ against Covid-19

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday hailed the "people-driven war" in India against the coronavirus disease, and said it will be discussed in the future. He said this during his monthly radio programme "Mann ki Baat".

"Suggestions and phone calls for this edition of Mann ki Baat are many times higher than the usual. Encompassing many subjects, you mann ki baat has reached me. In hustle and bustle of life, several topics remain unnoticed have come to the fore through your feedback. I intend to share a few such aspects with the countrymen," he said, reported Hindustan Times.

"India's fight against coronavirus is people driven. It is being fought by the people and the administration in close collaboration," added PM Modi.

"A vast country like India which is striving for development, fighting a decisive battle against poverty, has only this option to win the war against coronavirus. We are fortunate that the entire country with every citizen as a soldier is leading and fighting this war," he said.

"Wherever you see, you will find that it's a people-driven war. When the entire world is battling this pandemic, in futurem whenever this war with pandemic will be discussed, its events recalled, I am sure that this people-driven war of India will be surely discussed," the Prime Minister further said.

In his last 'Mann ki Baat' address on March 29, four days after announcing the first phase of nationwide lockdown, the PM had apologised to the nation for imposing the shutdown but justified the step, saying it was needed to 'win this battle'.

"I apologise for taking these harsh steps which have caused difficulties in your lives, especially the poor people. I know some of you would be angry with me also. But these tough measures were needed to win this battle," he had said.

Since that address, a second phase of nationwide lockdown has been imposed which will end on May 3. The government has also announced some relaxations in the lockdown rules including opening neighbourhood and stand-alone shops providing non-essential goods and services but with certain conditions.

According to the Union health ministry figures released on Sunday morning, India's coronavirus count stood at 26,496 including 19,868 active cases and 824deaths from Covid-19.

Here are the highlights from PM Modi's "Mann Ki Baat":

PM wishes Muslims on Ramadan

PM says it is sad that Ramadan is being celebrated under the shadow of Covid-19. He prayed that Covid-19 is defeated before Eid.

PM wishes citizens on Akshaya Tritiya

PM says farmers are like Krishna, who provided the akshaya patra, ensuring food grains reach out to the people.

PM said masks are a must

PM Modi said wearing masks might be a new practice to stop the spread of Covid-19, but it will soon be the new normal so that the contagion can be broken. He also said due to the pandemic people have stopped spitting in public.

We do not have confidence on our own culture: PM

PM said India needs to believe on its history, sciences along with believing that it also has a role to play when it comes to evidence-based findings but Indians tend to believe what other foreign researchers or findings say.

People saw Police's human face: PM

PM said police force's humanitarian side has come into the fore as they have taken every step to ensure needy people get food and senior citizens are taken care of and overall citizens do not face trouble.

State governments have set the right example: PM

PM lauded local administration and every state government are leaving no stone unturned in order to defeat pandemic.

Strict action against discriminating against Covid-19 warriors: PM

PM said strict measures will be taken against people hurting or discriminating against Covid-19 warriors.

PM says medicines are being sent to rural areas

PM said a flight was arranged to ensure that medicines reach to the people who need it the most amid the lockdown.