India's historic achievement of one billion vaccinations is not only a number but marks a glorious chapter in a “New India" that the world now recognises as emerging successful in the war on the Covid-19 pandemic, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday.

India's position as a pharma hub will get more acceptance in the world as the country has administered over 100 crore people, and that too for free, he remarked. 

“Everyone is now comparing India to other advanced countries of the world when it comes to tackling the pandemic, but remember India's starting point was different. The other countries have always participated in medicine and vaccination for a long time and everyone questioned whether India will be able to do the needful. Achieving the 100 crore vaccine jabs is an answer to all the questions that were raised.” PM pointed out. 

“Our nation did its duty,” he remarked. 

He also said, “ In the past India had been importing vaccines from the advanced countries that have years of expertise in this field. But now India has started making its own vaccines and overcome major challenges such as manufacturing and scaling up production to fight the pandemic.

“Earlier there were only chants about made in this country, that country, but today everyone is talking about 'Made in India'. At this juncture, it is even more critical for us Indians to encourage Indian products, ‘Made in India’ products and for us to go ‘Vocal for Local,’” PM Modi said.

Congratulating the people of the country for the landmark achievement, the Prime Minister said this is the opening of a new chapter for the country which shows its capacity to set ambitious targets and achieve them through unity and a scientific approach. 

“Our entire vaccine programme is a result of technology. It is science-born, science-driven and science-based. Science and scientific approach are at the heart of it,” PM Modi said.

“Nations across the world are still battling vaccine hesitancy and similar concerns were raised in India as well. But the 100-crore vaccine dose achievement shows how we have defeated vaccine hesitancy in India. With the trust in science and innovations, India has managed to achieve this major feat,” said PM Modi.

“Some concerns were also raised about the stringent Covid-19 restrictions. Many said that how can such strict restrictions be imposed in India. But we are a democracy, we have considered the needs of all, following our sabka saath, sabka vikaas principle,” said PM Modi.

Cautions against dropping guard 

The Prime Minister said during Diwali last year, there was anxiety in the air but as we approach Diwali this year there is optimism all around as the vaccine is providing protection. 

"Experts are very positive about the Indian economy. Indian companies are doing well and more jobs are being created for the young. Startups are also attracting more investments and the number of unicorns has gone up. From Gati Shakti to new drone rules, the economy will get a boost," he said.

However, at the same time PM Modi cautioned Indians against negligence in the fight against Covid and said no matter how strong the shield is, the arms are not laid as long as the war is on.

He urged everyone to adopt the mask as a way of life. "Like we wear shoes, we should make it a habit of wearing masks," he remarked.

Also Read: India breaks China’s record by administering 2.5 crore Covid vaccine doses in a day