New Delhi: Amidst unlocking the coronavirus lockdown, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday warned people to not let their guards down as the economy opens up gradually from Monday.
The government has announced a phased exit on from over two-month lockdown and termed lockdown 5.0 as ‘Unlock 1.0’.
In the 65th edition of his monthly radio programme ‘Mann Ki Baat’, which coincides with the last date of the fourth phase of nationwide lockdown, Mr Modi said, “A major chunk of economy is active now. There should be no laxity in maintaining six feet distance (Do Gaj Doori), wearing masks & staying indoors as much as possible. We need to be more vigilant now. Due to everyone’s support, fight against COVID-19 is being fought strongly.”
Lauding everyone’s efforts in these trying times, the Prime Minister said, “Every Indian has played a part in the battle against COVID-19. India’s Seva Shakti is visible in the fight.”
Current situation should be taken as a lesson for future: PM Modi
Amid the coronavirus pandemic across the globe, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that the current situation should be taken as a lesson to make provisions for the future.
He cited the situation of workers in the eastern states as a case in point and said, “The problem suffered by the poor during the crisis has been exacerbated by the lack of development in the region.”
Reiterating his message of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ or ‘Self-Reliant India’, Mr Modi said that many problems being faced right now would not have arisen if the villages and towns were self-reliant.
“At some places work in skill mapping of the labourers is taking place, at some places start-ups are being encouraged, migration commission has been commissioned somewhere and the Centre will also help open up opportunities for employment self-employment and small scale industries in villages. These decisions are aimed at resolving the crisis and building a self-reliant India,” he said in the 65th edition of his monthly radio programme ‘Mann Ki Baat’, which coincides with the last date of the fourth phase of nationwide lockdown.
He also requested the people to explore the benefits of yoga and said several international leaders had shown interest in knowing more about Ayurveda and yoga.
“During this corona crisis I had a chance to speak to many world leaders I want to share one secret today, they expressed great interest in Yoga and Ayurveda. Some leaders enquired how these can help in these times of Corona,” the prime minister said, adding, “We have to explore yoga for community, immunity and unity.”
Pointing out that the International Yoga Day is around the corner (June 21), he said that during the lockdown people from “Hollywood to Haridwar” are paying attention to yoga.
Speaking over the World Environment Day observed on June 5, the prime minister said it is imperative to pay attention to the biodiversity and conservation of water.
“In some parts of eastern India, we witnessed the destruction caused by cyclone? I was in Odisha and West Bengal last week to take stock of the situation. The way people of West Bengal and Odisha showed courage in dealing with the situation is commendable. In this hour of crisis the country standing by the side of people of these two states” he said.
He said that the lockdown has given an opportunity to understand the rich biodiversity around us. “Clean environment is directly linked to our life and the future of our children and therefore we have to be concerned about it individually, I request you to plant some trees on this environment day,” Mr Modi added. (UNI)