31 March 2024 — Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared insights into his government’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic during an interaction with philanthropist Bill Gates.
Key Points:
- Clanging Utensils Initiative: PM Modi recalled the nationwide initiative on March 22, 2020, where people clapped and clanged utensils to express solidarity with frontline workers. This initiative aimed to unite the nation in gratitude towards health and emergency services officials.
- Building Trust: PM Modi emphasized the importance of following Covid-19 protocols publicly to gain people’s trust. He mentioned making clarion calls for various activities like clapping, clanging utensils, and lighting lamps, despite initial ridicule. These efforts were crucial in uniting people in the fight against Covid-19 and turning it into a mass movement.
- Democracy and Collaboration: The prime minister highlighted the role of democracy in educating and collaborating with people rather than using force. He mentioned that convincing and educating people led to successful initiatives like wearing masks and participating in the vaccination campaign without resistance.
- Leading by Example: PM Modi underscored the importance of leading by example, mentioning his early vaccination along with his 95-year-old mother. This act aimed to build people’s faith in vaccination and highlighted the government’s commitment to saving lives.
Conclusion:
PM Modi’s reflections shed light on the strategic initiatives taken during the Covid-19 pandemic, emphasizing the significance of unity, trust-building, and democratic collaboration in combating such challenges effectively.
