Country saddened by insult to Tricolour on R-Day: Modi

NEW DELHI: PM Modi said on Sunday the country was saddened by the "insult" to the Tricolour on Republic Day, referring to the religious flag incident at Red Fort during the farmers' tractor parade. In his monthly ' Mann ki Baat' broadcast, Modi maintained his government is committed to "modernising" farming and has been taking many steps.

"The efforts of the government will also continue in future," he said.

Recounting a number of developments in January 2021, including India's remarkable come-from-behind series win over Australia in the recent Test series, Modi made a brief reference to the farmers' tractor rally on R-Day which witnessed incidents of violence. "Amidst all this, the country was saddened by the insult to the Tricolour on Jan 26 in Delhi. We have to infuse 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," he said.

Referring to India's corona vaccination exercise underway, the PM said the country has not only rolled out the world's largest vaccination drive but is also vaccinating its citizens at the fastest rate.

The country has vaccinated over 30 lakh corona warriors in 15 days, he said, adding the US and the UK took 18 and 36 days to reach this figure. "Just as India's fight against Corona became an example, our vaccination programme too is turning out to be exemplary to the world," he said.

Noting India's decision to send vaccines to neighbours and the praise from their govts and citizens, he said during the crises, India is able to serve the world since it is capable and self-reliant in medicines and vaccines.

Meanwhile Modi addressed the 125th-anniversary celebrations of 'Prabuddha Bharata', a monthly journal of the Ramakrishna Order, started by Swami Vivekananda.