PM: Nation sad at insult to tricolour at Red Fort
‘Self-reliant India will serve humanity, world to benefit’
Breaking his silence on the shocking events that took place at the Red Fort just after the majestic Republic Day parade on January 26, when unruly elements brandishing swords and sticks had attacked policemen and hoisted a flag other than the national tricolour at the iconic venue, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday that the “country was saddened by the insult to the tricolor on January 26 in Delhi”.
Delivering his monthly “Mann ki Baat” address, Mr Modi said “we have to infuse the times to come with new hope and novelty”. This was the only direct, but brief, reference to the tumultuous events of that day in his speech, that otherwise focused on India’s vaccine programme, the Padma honours for “unsung heroes”, innovation, self-reliance and development.
It may be recalled that these shocking events had taken place in Delhi shortly after noon when some irate farmers, mostly from Punjab, Haryana and western UP, had taken out a “tractor rally” as part of their protests against the three farm laws. The government has always backed the rationale behind the farm laws but their implementation has already been stayed by the
Supreme Court.
Mr Modi said on Sunday: “The country was saddened by the insult to the tricolour on January 26 in Delhi. We have to infuse the times to come with new hope and novelty. Last year, we displayed exemplary patience and courage. This year too, we
have to work hard to attain our resolves. We have to take our country forward at a faster pace.”
On India’s Covid vaccination drive, Mr Modi said: “Our vaccination programme too is turning out to be exemplary to the world. Today, India is undertaking the world’s biggest Covid vaccine programme… We are (also) vaccinating our citizens faster than anywhere in the world. In just 15 days, India has vaccinated over 30 lakh corona warriors, whereas an advanced country such as America took 18 days to get the same done; Britain 36 days!”
He added: “These days, I too receive similar messages from Presidents and PMs of different countries… You must also have seen recently how the President of Brazil, in a tweet, thanked India -every Indian was gladdened at that… During the moment of crisis, India is able to serve the world today, since she is capable, self-reliant in the field of medicines, vaccines. The same thought underpins the Atma Nirbhar Bharat campaign. The more India is capable, the more will she serve humanity; correspondingly the world will benefit more!”
On the Padma awards, Mr Modi said: “The nation honoured people doing extraordinary work; for their achievements and contribution to humanity. This year too, the recipients comprise people who have done excellent work in myriad fields; through their endeavour, they’ve changed someone’s life, taking the country forward. Thus, the tradition of conferring the Padma honour on unsung heroes that was started a few years ago has been maintained this time too.”
Commenting on an interesting event in West Bengal, Mr Modi said: “Just a few days ago I watched a video. That video was of Sarmuddin, a painter from Naya Pingla village in West Midnapore, West Bengal. He was expressing happiness that his painting based on the Ramayan had sold for two lakh rupees. This brought great happiness to his fellow villagers too. After watching this video, I was curious to know more about it. In this very context, I came to know about a very good initiative related to West Bengal, which I would definitely like to share with you.”
Praising a local vegetable market in Hyderabad, Mr Modi said: “I felt very happy on reading about how a local vegetable market in Boinpalli of Hyderabad is fulfilling its responsibility”.