PM’s 7th address during Covid pandemic explained: Country’s economy is rebounding

By Akshaya Kumar Sahoo

BHUBANESWAR, OCT. 20: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday evening addressed the nation ahead of the Durga puja festival. During his 30-minute address, the PM talked about the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, the loss of lives, country’s fight, economic hardship and appealed people to observe more restraint.

But what did he exactly want to convey the nation?

The PM, as expected, tried to impress upon the people that the worst is over but the pandemic is still here with all its might. He also mentioned that the economy is returning to the track.
Perhaps the PM was trying to take the public attention from the 23.9 per cent contraction in the country’s economy in the first quarter of the current financial to the anticipated 9.5 per cent contraction in the July-September second quarter.

“Economic activities are also increasing rapidly over time. With efforts of every Indian over last 7-8 months, India is in a stable situation we must not let it deteriorate,” Mr Modi said.

The PM’s assertion is seen a measured attempt to instill a sense of confidence in the minds of countrymen.

The PM then shared the mantra of 'Seva Parmo Dharma' and highlighted the contribution of doctors, nurses, health workers in fighting the Covid-19 and explained how they are selflessly serving such a large population.

“Amidst all these efforts, this is not the time to be careless,” he cautioned.

The PM PM asked media personnel, people on social media to campaign to spread public awareness for following Covid-19 guidelines, thus seeking each individual to play a role in containing the pandemic.

Mr Modi also mentioned that more than 10 crore tests had been conducted so far, over 2,000 Covid labs are operational, over 90 lakhs beds are available and over 12,000 quarantine centres are there in the country. He also assured that the government was making all efforts to ensure that vaccine, whenever it is launched, reaches every Indian. These words are surely a great assurance for common citizens who often doubt if they would be able to avail vaccines.

The PM gave a comparative picture of India’s fight against Covid-19 and some key achievements.

“The fatality rate in India is 83 out of every 10 lakh population in India, whereas it is more than 600 in countries like the US, Brazil, Spain, Britain. At least 5,500 people out of every 10 lakh in India are infected, whereas in countries like the US & Brazil this figure is around 25,000. Today, the recovery rate in the country is good. The fatality rate is low,” the PM said.

“Scientists of our country are also working hard for vaccine. Several corona vaccines are currently in operation in India,” the PM informed, adding, fight against Covid should not weaken till we get the vaccine.

He cautioned the countrymen, also, against any laxity. "If you are negligent, coming out without a mask, you are putting yourself, your family, your family's children, the elderly in the same great crisis. Keep in mind, whether it is America today, or other countries in Europe, the cases of corona were decreasing in these countries, but suddenly started increasing again. Most of us are stepping out of our homes every day to fulfill our responsibilities, to speed up life again. This season of festivals is also slowly returning to the markets. But we should not forget that even though the lockdown is gone, the virus is not gone.”