
On March 22, 2020, millions of Indians stepped onto their balconies to make noise with their utensils and blow conches when the COVID-19 pandemic was at its peak. While many did so because Prime Minister Narendra Modi advised them to, many also joined in as a display of unity in the face of the isolation brought about by the pandemic lockdown. Almost four years later, PM Modi has finally revealed why he called on citizens to participate in this rather unusual activity.
During a meeting with philanthropist Bill Gates, PM Modi explained that he encouraged people to clang their dishes as a way to build trust. He said, “I publicly followed all COVID-19 protocols to gain people’s trust. Despite some ridicule, I made clear calls to clap, clang utensils, and light lamps.” According to PM Modi, the objective was to unite everyone in the fight against the pandemic, and this unity eventually transformed into a mass movement as people understood the importance of protecting themselves and others.
Furthermore, PM Modi mentioned that when he advised people to wear masks, they listened and reminded each other. “It became a people’s movement. In a democracy, force is not the answer. In a democracy, people need to be convinced, educated, and carried along. Education and collaboration drive progress in a democracy,” he stated. PM Modi attributed this approach as a significant factor in the success of India’s COVID-19 vaccination campaign.
The COVID-19 immunization program led by PM Modi received global acclaim, with the United States government’s COVID-19 response coordinator describing it as a “phenomenal” and “stunning achievement.” India, with a population of 1.39 billion, amazed the world with its effectiveness in providing vaccines to even the most remote corners of the country. As of December 2023, a staggering 2.2067 billion doses of COVID vaccination have been administered across the country.
With COVID-19 on the decline, PM Modi has shifted his focus towards cervical cancer and the development of a low-cost vaccine. “In the upcoming days, I want to address the issue of cervical cancer, especially for our daughters,” he expressed. PM Modi intends to allocate a budget for Indian scientists to conduct local research and develop a vaccine for cervical cancer.