Prime Minister Narendra Modi called it a ‘decisive point’ in India’s fight against the Covid-19 pandemic. The number of vaccine doses administered across the country crossed the 100-crore mark on October 21, 2021. The remarkable achievement of a billion vaccinations was achieved in over nine months, is reflects stupendous teamwork in the government and all the agencies associated. The country will be indebted forever to the corona warriors.
In a historic achievement, the cumulative COVID-19 vaccine doses administered in the country has surpassed the 100-crore milestone. In a tweet, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi congratulated the countrymen and expressed gratitude to the country’s scientific community and health professionals for working towards achieving this astonishing feat.
Vaccination played an important role in controlling the spread of the virus and halting the third wave. By administrating 100 crore COVID vaccine doses, India becomes the only country along with China to be in the billion-dose club.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a tweet, said, “India scripts history. We are witnessing the triumph of Indian science, enterprise and collective spirit of 130 crore Indians. Congrats, India, on crossing 100 crore vaccinations. Gratitude to our doctors, nurses and all those who worked to achieve this feat.”
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Union Minister of Home Affairs and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah has congratulated the nation for vaccinating over 100 crore people with the COVID-19 vaccine. He described it as a historic and proud moment. Shri Amit Shah said in a series of tweets that “Historic and proud moment! Today, through the visionary leadership and constant encouragement of Shri Narendra Modi, India has set a record by achieving the target of more than 100 crore COVID-19 vaccinations, which has re-acquainted the whole world; with the immense capabilities of New India.”
He expressed his gratitude to all scientists, researchers and health workers of the country for their contribution in achieving this milestone. Shah said, “I congratulate the country on this historic achievement and thank all scientists, researchers and health workers who have contributed to this great task by overcoming many challenges and congratulate Shri Narendra Modi for commitment towards safety and health of every person.”
The Union Health Minister, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, also congratulated the country on achieving this landmark.
As part of the nationwide vaccination drive, the Government of India has been supporting the States and UTs by providing them with COVID-19 vaccines free of cost. In the new phase of the universalization of the COVID-19 vaccination drive, the Union Government will procure and supply (free of cost) 75% of the vaccines being produced by the vaccine manufacturers in the Country to States and UTs.
More than 103. 5 crores (1, 03, 53, 51,045) vaccine doses have been provided to States/UTs so far through the Government of India (free of cost channel) and direct state procurement category. More than 10.85 Cr (10, 85, 69, 250) balance and unutilized COVID-19 vaccine doses are still available with the States/UTs to be administered.
The Archaeological Survey of India of Ministry of Culture illuminated 100 Monuments in Tri-colour across the Country. India achieved the landmark milestone of administrating 100 crore COVID vaccinations in one of the world’s largest and fastest vaccinations drives. The illumination is taking place as a mark of respect and gratitude to those who have contributed relentlessly in the fight against the covid pandemic.
The corona warriors included vaccinators, sanitation staff, paramedical, auxiliary workers, police personnel etc. who have worked beyond their call of duty to help the country face the pandemic effectively. For their selfless services to humankind, the 100 monuments remained lit in Tri-Colour on the night of October 21 2021, as India achieved the landmark 100 crore vaccination mark.
The 100 monuments being lit up in Tricolor include UNESCO World Heritage Sites – the Red Fort, Humayun’s Tomb and Qutub Minar in Delhi, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri in Uttar Pradesh, Konark Temple in Odisha, MamallapuramRath temples in Tamil Nadu, St Francis of Assisi Church in Goa, Khajuraho, the forts of Chittor and Kumbhalgarh in Rajasthan, the excavated ruins of the ancient Nalanda University in Bihar and Dholavira (recently accorded world heritage status) in Gujarat. Prime Minister Modi said, “The 100 crore vaccines is just not a number in an address to the nation. It is the reflection of the potential of the country; it is a new chapter of history. This is the picture of that new India, which knows how to set difficult goals and achieve them. This is the picture of that new India which strives hard for the fulfilment of its resolutions.”
He pointed that India’s vaccination campaign is the living example of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, and Sabka Prayas’. During the initial stages of the Corona pandemic, he added that it would be very difficult to fight this pandemic in a democracy like India.
Modi drew a parallel in democracy’s definition and vaccination achievement and pointed out that it was also being said for India and the people of India regarding the restraint and discipline needed for this? “But for us, democracy means ‘Sabka Saath (cooperation from everyone). Taking everyone along, the country started the ‘Vaccine for all’ campaign, ‘Free Vaccine’. Whether poor or rich, village or city, far-away, the country had only one mantra: if the disease does not discriminate, there cannot be any discrimination in the vaccination.
Therefore, it was ensured that the VIP culture did not dominate the vaccination campaign. No matter how important a post someone held, no matter how rich he is, he will get the vaccines just like ordinary citizens,” said the Prime Minister.
The Union Government is committed to accelerating the pace and expanding the scope of COVID-19 vaccination throughout the country. The new phase of universalization of COVID-19 vaccination commenced on June 21 2021. The vaccination drive has been ramped up through the availability of more vaccines and advanced visibility of vaccine availability to States and UTs to enable better planning and streamline the vaccine supply chain.