Highlights
- PM Modi addressed the nation on Sunday on Mann Ki Baat
- PM Modi urged citizens to celebrate festivities adhering to precautions
- Include warriors like Sanitation Workers in your celebrations: PM Modi
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi once again urged citizens of the country to practice the virtue of patience to overcome the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and stay safe during celebrations and festive season on his monthly radio address. In his 70th edition of Mann Ki Baat, PM Modi said, “Today, all of you are carrying on with immense patience, celebrating the festival with restraint and hence, in our ongoing fight of coronavirus, our victory too is assured.”
PM Modi also added that earlier festivals were celebrated differently and added,
During Durga Puja festivities, we all, in huge number used to go out and explore different pandals to take blessing of Durga Maa. During Dussehra, grand fairs used to be held. The atmosphere used to be filled with all kind of celebrations, but this was not possible at this point of time. In present times, all the festivities have taken a different route. But, all this is for our better future and health. I want to remind you that we all need to be vigilant and take all the COVID appropriate steps in the upcoming festivities as well. We all have to exercise patience, observe restraint during this crisis-laden period of Coronavirus.
PM Modi also urged citizens to continue and think about warriors such as sanitation workers, domestic helps, local vegetable vendors, milkmen, security guards – who have stood by all of us in the pandemic and protected us while we all stayed home. He added,
Amid the gaiety of festivities, we should spare a thought for the lockdown period. During the lockdown, we closely came to know about those members of society, without whom our lives would be miserable such as sanitation workers, domestic helps, local vegetable vendors, milkmen….We have now felt the significance of their roles in our lives in a better way. During the moment of crisis, they were with you; they stood by all of us. Now, during the festivities, amid the rejoicing, we must take them along. I urge you to ensure, in whatever way, and make these warriors a part of your celebrations.
Currently, India is the second worst hit country due to Coronavirus after the United States. According to the data by the health ministry, India’s COVID-19 tally has crossed the 79 lakh mark with the country reporting 45,148 fresh coronavirus cases in the last 24-hours. India also reported 480 fatalities linked to the coronavirus disease in the last 24 hours, which is the lowest number of COVID-related deaths the country has reported since July 10 (475). Data also shows that India was recording an average of 900-1,000 COVID-related deaths in August. This number rose to an average of 1,100 in September when coronavirus cases peaked with a daily average of 90,000 fresh cases. However, October has seen a steady decline in cases and deaths. For the past week, India has been recording less than 1,000 COVID deaths, which have remained below the 1,100-mark since October 2.
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.
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