India is vaccinating its citizens faster than any other country: PM Modi

New Delhi: Referring to India's Corona vaccination drive, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his monthly 'Mann ki Baat' broadcast on Sunday said that the country has not only rolled out the world's largest vaccination drive but is also vaccinating its citizens faster than any other country.

The country has vaccinated over 30 lakh corona warriors in 15 days, he said, adding the US and the UK took 18 and 36 days to reach this figure.

"Just as India's fight against Corona became an example, our vaccination programme too is turning out to be exemplary to the world," he said.

Noting India's decision to send vaccines to several countries and the praise it has received from their governments and citizens, he said during the moment of crisis India is able to serve the world since it is capable and self-reliant in the field of medicines and vaccines.

"The same thought underpins the Atmanirbhar Bharat Campaign. The more India is capable, the more will it serve humanity; and the world will benefit more," Modi said.

Referring to the religious flag incident at Red Fort during the farmers' tractor parade, Modi said that the country was saddened by the "insult" to the Tricolour on Republic Day. He maintained that his government is committed to "modernising" farming and has been taking many steps.

"The efforts of the government will also continue in the future," he said, amid intense protests by a section of farmers.

While recounting a number of developments in January this year, including India's remarkable come-from-behind series win over Australia in the recent Test series, Modi made a brief reference to the farmers' tractor rally on Republic Day which witnessed incidents of violence.

"Amidst all this, the country was saddened by the insult to the Tricolour on January 26 in Delhi. We have to infuse times to come with new hope and novelty. Last year, we displayed exemplary patience and courage. This year too, we have to work hard to attain our resolve. We have to take our country forward at a faster pace," he said.

Noting that the country is approaching its 75th year of Independence, Modi urged people, especially youngsters, to write about freedom fighters and incidents associated with their struggle. With the country observing Road Safety month between January 18 and February 17, the prime minister said road accidents are a matter of concern not just in our country but also the world over.

Also, while addressing the 125th anniversary celebrations of 'Prabuddha Bharata', a monthly journal of the Ramakrishna Order started by Swami Vivekananda in 1896, Modi listed several schemes, including opening of bank accounts and health insurance for the poor, to assert that they were in line with Swami Vivekananda's vision.

"If the poor cannot access banks, banks must reach them — that is Jan Dhan Yojana. If the poor cannot access insurance, it must reach them — that is Jan Suraksha scheme. If the poor cannot access healthcare, it must reach them -- this is Ayushman Bharat scheme," Modi said.