Modi's address to nation: 1 billion COVID-19 vaccine coverage reflects India's might, says PM

A day after India achieved the milestone, the Prime Minister addressing the nation said: "It is the picture of a new India which sets difficult goals and knows how to achieve them.

"100 crore vaccine doses is not just a figure, it is the reflection of the might of the nation. It is the creation of a new chapter of history."

The Prime Minister said many people are comparing India's vaccination program with other countries.

"The speed with which we crossed the one billion data is being appreciated. But we often miss where we started from..." he said.

He said developed countries had decades of expertise on making vaccines, while India has depended on imports for its vaccine requirements.

"When the pandemic came, questions were raised if India would be able to fight the pandemic, how would India get the money for vaccines, would people get vaccinated or not..." he said.

"The 100 crore vaccine doses is our response to all those questions," he said, exuding confidence it will strengthen India's image.

He also said India's vaccination is an "all inclusive" exercise, there is no VIP-drama, no poor or rich and no urban or rural lines drawn in it. "We ensured that everyone had access to vaccines, and no "VIP culture" was allowed in the vaccination process," he said.

"If the disease does not discriminate, how can there be discrimination in the vaccination process," he aid.

Modi also referred to the time during the first wave, when he asked the nation to beat 'thaalis' and 'taalis', and many questioned his purpose, he can now say it helped to unite people in the fight against the pandemic.

In his address which comes just days ahead of the festival season with Diwali on Nov 4, he also urged people to be cautious and continue wearing masks, maintain COVID-19 norms and not put their guards down.

He also asked people to "Buy Local" this Diwali to boost the economy at grassroot level.