By TIOL News Service

NEW DELHI, FEB 01, 2021: PRIME Minister Mr Narendra Modi's first Mann Ki Baat address of 2021, took place Sunday morning and touched upon India's COVID-19 vaccination drive, the farmer's protest and the Indian cricket team's win in Australia, among other things.

The programme, which came a day before the announcement of the Union Budget on Monday, is his address to the nation.

The violence during the farmers' tractor rally through the capital, especially the hoisting of the religious flag at the Red Fort on January 26, Republic Day, was one of his early talking points, as he highlighted the passage of the first month of 2021.

"The country was saddened by the insult to the Tricolour on the January 26 in Delhi. We have to infuse times to come with new hope and novelty," Mr Modi said about the aftermath of the violence when farmers protesting the three farm laws broke the barricades to enter Delhi and vandalised property.

PM Modi also hailed the country's "exemplary" coronavirus inoculation drive with the two indigenous vaccines, sharing that India has vaccinated 30 lakh "corona-warriors" within 15 days ­­­­­­­– a feat which took the US 18 days and Britain 36 days to achieve.

"The Made-in-India vaccine is, of course, a symbol of India's self-reliance. It is also a symbol of her self-pride," he said.

Touching on India's vaccine diplomacy, the Prime Minister mentioned Brazilian President Mr Jair Bolsonaro's thanks for receiving the two million vaccines, evoking the image of Lord Hanuman bringing the 'Sanjeevani booti' from India to the South American nation.

"You must also have seen recently how the President of Brazil, in a tweet thanked India – every Indian was gladdened at that," he said, adding "People residing thousands of kilometres away in remote corners of the world are deeply aware of that context in Ramayana - they are intensely influenced by it. This is a speciality of our culture."

He also praised the Indian cricket team's Test series win against Australia at the Brisbane Cricket Grounds on January 19. The last time a visiting team emerged victorious in The Gabba was West Indies, led by Mr Viv Richards, in November 1988.

"This month, there has been very good news from the cricket pitch too. Our cricket team, after initial setbacks made a grand comeback, winning the series in Australia. The hard work and teamwork of our players is inspirational," said the PM.

Some more highlights from PM Modi's first Mann ki Baat address were:

During the moment of crisis, India is able to serve the world today, since she is capable and self-reliant in the field of medicines, vaccines. The same thought underpins the Aatmanirbhar Bharat campaign. The more India is capable, the more will she serve humanity; correspondingly the world will benefit more.

This year, India is going to commence the celebration of 75 years of her Independence – Amrit Mahotsav. This is an excellent time to explore places associated with those heroes on account of whom we attained freedom.

The freedom struggle was fought with full might in every part, every city, every town and village of India. In every corner of Bharatbhoomi, great sons and brave daughters were born who gave up their lives for the nation… I appeal to all countrymen, especially the young friends to write about freedom fighters, incidents associated with freedom.

An initiative has been taken for young writers for the purpose of 'India@75'. This will encourage young writers of all states and of all languages.

For me the best thing that I like in ' Mann Ki Baat ' is that I get to learn and read a lot. In a way, indirectly, I get an opportunity to connect with you all. Someone's effort, somebody's zeal, someone's passion to achieve something for the country – all this inspires me a lot, fills me with energy.

My dear countrymen, you must have witnessed a few days ago, that four women pilots from India took command of a non-stop flight from San Francisco, US to Bangalore, Karnataka. You must have also observed this time in the January 26 parade, where two women officers of the Indian Air Force created new history. Whatever be the area, the participation of the women of the country is continuously on the rise.

The regional office of the Ministry of Tourism started an 'Incredible India Weekend Getaway' in the villages of Bengal at the beginning of the month. The Handicraft artisans from West Midnapore, Bankura, Birbhum, Purulia, East Bardhaman, organized handicraft workshop for visitors.

From January 18 to February 17, we are observing 'Road Safety month.' Today, in India, many efforts are being made for road safety at the individual and collective level along with the government. We should all become active stakeholders in these efforts to save lives.

The FASTag programme is saving commuter's time at the toll plaza and the reduced waiting is saving fuel. It is estimated that this will save approximately Rs. 21,000 crore of our countrymen.

Friends, it is said that drop by drop, the pot gets filled. Every single effort of ours leads to the realisation of our resolve. Therefore, the goals with which we started in 2021, we all have to fulfil them together.