India's success in administering 1 billion doses of anti-Covid vaccines has generated a strong sense of optimism in all sections with experts upbeat about India's economy even as it was necessary to remember that having a strong "kavach (armour)" did not mean that people should let down their guard, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said.
In an address to the nation, the Prime Minister said there is a feeling of "enthusiasm and joy with experts predicting a vigorous economic recovery and Indian companies receiving investments that will generate jobs. "If we see any section, whether society or economy, optimism, optimism, optimism is to be seen," he said.
He said the 1 billion vaccinations answered all doubts about India's capacity to combat the coronavirus, but emphasised the need for continued caution ahead of the festive season and said wearing masks must be second nature. "It is like we are used to wearing footwear when we step out… we should also get used to wearing masks," he said.
The call for continued Covid safe practices is significant given upticks in infection even in countries like the UK where vaccine coverage has reached a majority of the population. "No matter how good the cover is, no matter how modern the armour is, even if the armour is a complete guarantee of protection, weapons are not thrown while the battle is on. I request that we have to celebrate our festivals with utmost care," Modi said.
While pointing to the progress of India's vaccination programme launched on January 16 this year, Modi said "The I billion vaccinations are not just a figure, but a reflection of the strength of the country, it is the creation of a new chapter of history. This is a picture of a new India that sets difficult goals and knows how to achieve them."
The "positive" note in the Prime Minister's address, along with the call for care and caution, seemed to mark an effort to put behind the ravages of the second wave that hit India in April-June this year, and which had seen crises in oxygen supplies and hospital beds in many cities along with a high number of fatalities.
PM Modi took a few moments to refer to criticism of his call in 2020 for people to clang metal plates, saying it had been said that how would this help fight the pandemic. “This was meant to be a sign of unity and resolve… India's vaccination programme has been based and driven by science,” he said, rebutting some experts, in India and abroad, who had argued that the pandemic cannot be countered by such demonstrative actions.
