Fight against Corona: PM Narendra Modi lauds Indian scientists' role

 'Clean India Mission expands manifolds'

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that the role of Indian scientists in the fight against Covid-19 was praiseworthy and due to their hard work, it was possible to manufacture the 'Made in India vaccine'.

"Today, I will like to praise the role of Indian scientists in the fight against Corona, and because of their hard work, the manufacturing of 'Made in India vaccines' was possible which gave great relief to the world. This is the gift of science to humanity," he said in his 86th episode of the monthly radio address of 'Mann Ki Baat'. The 'Clean India Mission' also got a special mention in the Mann Ki Baat'.

Talking about the 'National Science Day on February 28, he said that this day is also known for the discovery of the Raman Effect. "Along with CV Raman Ji, I pay my respectful tribute to all the scientists who have contributed significantly in enriching our scientific journey," he said.

Modi also said technology has secured an important place in our lives in the realm of ease and simplicity. "Which technology is good and what is the better use of that technology, we are well acquainted with all these subjects. But, it is also true that the basis of that technology, the underlying science, is something that we neglect in conveying to the children in our families," he said.

"On this Science Day, I urge all the families to start with small efforts to develop a scientific temperament in their children," the Prime Minister said.

"Now, for example — poor vision... after wearing glasses, vision improves with clarity... children can easily be explained on the science behind it. It's not that one should restrict oneself to just looking at the glasses and enjoying. Now you can simply explain to the child on a small piece of paper," he added.

Referring to the various mobile applications, he further said that nowadays, there are also many apps through which the children can locate the stars and planets, or can identify the star which is visible in the sky and can also know about it. "I will also tell our startups that you should employ your skills and scientific character in the work related to nation-building. This is also our collective scientific responsibility towards the country. Like, nowadays I see that our startups are doing very well in the world of virtual reality and the era of virtual classes, one such virtual lab can be designed keeping children in mind."

"We can also make children experience a chemistry lab sitting at home through virtual reality and request the teachers and parents to encourage all the students and children to ask questions and together with them find the right answers to those questions," Modi added.

The Prime Minister said that the 'Clean India Mission' which was started eight years ago and with time has expanded manifold while innovations were also added.

"Wherever you go in India, you will find that some effort is being made for cleanliness everywhere. I have come to know about one such attempt in Kokrajhar, Assam. Here a group of morning walkers have taken a very commendable initiative under the 'Clean and Green Kokrajhar' mission. All of them gave a motivational message of cleanliness by cleaning the three-kilometre long road in the new flyover area," he said while addressing the 86th episode of his monthly radio address 'Mann Ki Baat'.

He also said that under the 'Clean India Campaign' in Visakhapatnam, cloth bags are being promoted instead of polythene. People here are also campaigning against 'Single Use Plastic products' to keep the environment clean. Along with this, these people are also spreading awareness to segregate the waste at home. The students of Somaiya College in Mumbai have also included beautification in their campaign of cleanliness. They have decorated the walls of the Kalyan railway station with beautiful paintings.

"An inspiring example from Sawai Madhopur in Rajasthan has also come to my notice. The youth here have started a campaign named 'Mission Beat Plastic' in Ranthambore, in which plastic and polythene have been removed from the forests of Ranthambore," Modi said, adding that this spirit of 'Sabka Prayas, (everyone's efforts)' strengthens public participation in the country and when there is public participation, even the biggest goals are met.

Talking about the 'Mission Jal Thal' which aims to clean up the water bodies in Srinagar in Kashmir, he said that this was a unique effort to clean the lakes and ponds of Srinagar and restore their old glory.

The focus of 'Mission Jal Thal' is on 'Kushal Saar' and 'Gil Saar', he said.

The Prime Minister also said that along with public participation, a lot of help of technology is also being taken in this, and to detect the encroachments, a formal survey of this area was carried out. "Along with this, a campaign to remove plastic waste and clean up the waste was also launched. In the second phase of the mission, a lot of effort was also made to restore the old water channels and 19 springs filling the lake," Modi said, adding that in this 'Restoration Project' the local people and youth were also made Water Ambassadors. (IANS)

Also Read:  Maan ki Baat: Cleanliness by Kokrajhar morning walkers mentioned by Prime Minister

Also watch: