Sunday, while wishing the people a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi warned them to be “a bit cautious” as they celebrate the holidays in light of reports of an increase in Covid-19 instances in other nations. He was delivering his 96th and final ‘Mann Ki Baat’ address until 2022.
“You can also see that corona is increasing in many nations throughout the world, so we must take greater measures such as wearing masks and washing our hands. If we are cautious, we will also be safe, and our enjoyment will not be hindered,” he stated.
In response to reports of an increase in cases in China, the Prime Minister conducted a review discussion on the Covid-19 situation and readiness in the country earlier this week. Throughout the week, the Union Health Minister and state health officials met and released a variety of guidelines regarding, among other measures, boosting Covid-19 testing, random testing of international travellers, and genome sequencing. Several states have also indicated that they are preparing their health infrastructure for a potential spike in Covid cases.
In the previous six weeks, an average of 5.9 lakh cases per day have been reported worldwide, despite the fact that the number of cases in India continues to decrease.
In his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ address on Sunday, Modi discussed the work being done to prove the efficacy of traditional practices such as yoga and Ayurveda. He also stated that the country was on the verge of eliminating kala azar (visceral leishmaniasis) and was working towards the goal of eliminating tuberculosis by 2025. In addition, he stated that the government and the people were working on’swachata,’ conservation of biodiversity, and preservation of local traditions.
With India assuming the G20 leadership and preparing to host the summit of the international conference, Modi stated, “In 2023, we must take the G20’s enthusiasm to new heights – transform this event into a mass movement.”
The Prime Minister spoke about India becoming the fifth largest economy in the world, surpassing the “magical” exports figure of $400 billion, administering more than 220 crore Covid-19 vaccination doses, and welcoming the nation’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant.
Modi also mentioned the different celebrations of “unity and togetherness,” such as the Madhavpur Mela in Gujarat, the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam, and the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign commemorating India’s 75 years of independence.
Modi also wished everyone a Merry Christmas and noted that it was former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s birthday.
