The whole country was saddened to see the tricolor insulted on Republic Day: Modi

(PTI) New Delhi, Dt

Referring to the attack on the Red Fort during a farmers' tractor rally in the first 'Mann Ki Baat' program of 2021 on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the whole country was saddened by the insult to the tricolor. He added that we have to fill the next time with new hope and innovation.

“We introduced extraordinary restraint and adventure last year,” the Prime Minister said. This year too, we have to work hard to achieve our resolve. We have to take the country forward at a faster pace. There was also very good news from the cricket pitch this month. Our cricket team won the series in Australia after facing difficulties in the opening period. The hard work and teamwork of our players is inspiring.

With the start of this year, our fight against Corona is almost a year away. Just as India's fight against Corona has become an example, so too has our vaccination program become an outstanding example to the world. Today, India is running the world's largest covid vaccination program. India has vaccinated more than 3 million of its Corona Warriors in just 15 days, while a rich country like the US took 15 days to do so and Britain took six days.

Referring to the freedom struggle, the Prime Minister said that the freedom struggle was fought with full vigor in every city and village of the country. Young people should write books about freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for the nation. Referring to the Padma Awards, he said the nation has honored the people who have done extraordinary work for their achievements and their contribution to humanity. The tradition of awarding Padma honors to these unsung heroes working at the ground level, which the country started a few years ago, has been maintained this year as well.