India Proud Of Its Scientists Who Worked For Vaccines; We Should Not Lose Sight Of Challenges Like Climate Change: PM Modi

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday (May 26) said that the world will not be the same after Covid-19 and noted that the events in the future will be remembered as either pre or post-Covid. Delivering the keynote address on the occasion of “Virtual Vesak Global Celebrations” on Buddha Purnima, the prime minister expressed gratitude towards the frontline and healthcare workers who were selflessly risking their lives every day in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic and also extended condolences to those who lost their dear ones to the deadly viral infection. Prime Minister noted that the pandemic has impacted every nation across the world and left a huge economic impact as well.

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Our planet will not be the same after Covid-19. In the times to come, we will certainly remember events as either pre-Covid or post-Covid, he said.

However, he added that there have been noteworthy changes in the country and across the globe as well, and said,

India is proud of its scientists who worked for vaccines. I once again salute our frontline healthcare workers, doctors, nurses who selflessly risk their lives every day to serve others in need, to those who have suffered and lost their dear ones. I extend condolences, he added.

The Prime Minister acknowledged the individuals and organisations who rose to the occasion contributed their bit in the fight against the pandemic and said their actions were aligned with the teaching of Lord Buddha.

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In the last year, we have seen several individuals and organizations rise to the occasion and do everything possible to reduce suffering. I have also learned of the generous contribution of equipment and materials made by the Buddist organizations, followers of Buddh dharma from the world over… By the outpouring of generosity, and support of fellow humans, the actions are in line with the teaching of Lord Buddha, he said.

Prime Minister recalled that last year also he had addressed this program which was dedicated to the frontline workers.

A year later we are seeing a mix of continuity and change. Pandemic has not left us. Several nations including India have experienced a second wave. This is the first crisis humanity faced in decades. We have not seen a pandemic like this in decades.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that while continuing the fight against COVID-19, the world should not lose sight of other big challenges like climate change. PM Modi said the “reckless lifestyle” of the present generation threatens the coming generations.

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Friends, COVID-19 is certainly a major challenge we face. While we do everything possible to fight it, we must not lose sight of the other challenges humanity faces. One of the biggest challenges is that of climate change. The reckless lifestyle of the present threatens the coming generations, he said.

PM Modi noted that weather patterns are changing, glaciers are melting, rivers and forests are in danger.

We cannot let our plants remain wounded. Lord Buddha put emphasis on a way of life where respect for mother nature is paramount, PM Modi said.

Expressing pride in the country’s achievements on the issue of environment, PM Modi informed that India is among the few large economies to be on track to completing the targets of the Paris accord.

For us, sustainable living is not only about right words but about right actions, he said.

The event organised by the Culture Ministry in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) has participation of all supreme heads of the Buddhist Sanghas from around the world.

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(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

NDTV – Dettol Banega Swasth India campaign is an extension of the five-year-old Banega Swachh India initiative helmed by Campaign Ambassador Amitabh Bachchan. It aims to spread awareness about critical health issues facing the country. In wake of the current COVID-19 pandemic, the need for WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) is reaffirmed as handwashing is one of the ways to prevent Coronavirus infection and other diseases. The campaign highlights the importance of nutrition and healthcare for women and children to prevent maternal and child mortality, fight malnutrition, stunting, wasting, anaemia and disease prevention through vaccines. Importance of programmes like Public Distribution System (PDS), Mid-day Meal Scheme, POSHAN Abhiyan and the role of Aganwadis and ASHA workers are also covered. Only a Swachh or clean India where toilets are used and open defecation free (ODF) status achieved as part of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014, can eradicate diseases like diahorrea and become a Swasth or healthy India. The campaign will continue to cover issues like air pollution, waste management, plastic ban, manual scavenging and sanitation workers and menstrual hygiene.