PM Modi: Lockdown Helped India In COVID-19 Fight

Prime Minister Narendra Modi observed on Saturday that the nationwide lockdown imposed on March 24, helped the country in the fight against COVID-19. PM Modi said that earlier this year, some people had predicted that the impact of the virus in India would be very severe. He added that due to the lockdown, many initiatives taken by the Government coupled with a people-driven fight had placed India in a much better position as compared to many other nations.

PM Modi remarked that India's recovery rate was rising, which is a good sign. PM Modi pointed out that COVID-19 is not just a physical ailment, but poses a threat to the lives of people. The Prime Minister remarked that COVID-19 draws our attention to unhealthy lifestyles.

PM Modi was delivering the inaugural address at the 90th birth anniversary celebrations of the Rev. Dr. Joseph Mar Thoma Metropolitan through video conferencing. The meet is attended widely by followers from all over India and abroad.

PM Modi observed that Dr. Joseph Mar Thoma had "devoted his life for the betterment of our society and nation." The Prime Minister pointed out that Dr. Joseph Mar Thoma has been particularly passionate about the removal of poverty and the empowerment of women.

The Prime Minister pointed out that over 8 crore families today have access to smoke-free kitchens. PM Modi added that Ayushman Bharat is the largest healthcare scheme in the world.

PM Modi further said that the Centre does not discriminate on the basis of faith, gender, caste, creed or language. The Government of India is guided by a mission to empower 130 crore Indians, he said. The Prime Minister observed that the Constitution of India is the government's guiding light.