Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that the doctors, scientists, and paramedical staff should be worshipped for their role in India’s fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. He made the statements while addressing the country on the occasion of 75th Independence Day.

“During the coronavirus global pandemic, our doctors, our nurses, our paramedical staff, scientists engaged in making vaccines, citizens engaged in the fight, they all deserve to be worshipped,” said Modi in his Independence speech.

Prime Minister Modi also lauded India’s COVID-19 vaccination programme.

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“We can proudly say that the largest COVID19 vaccination program is being run in India today. More than 54 crore people have received vaccine doses so far,” said Modi from the ramparts of the Red Fort.

He also addressed the challenge India faced during the waves of coronavirus and praised the patience of citizens and officials in India’s fight against COVID-19.

“Indians have fought this battle with a lot of patience. We had many challenges but we worked with extraordinary pace in every area. It’s a result of the strength of our industrialists and scientists, that today India doesn’t need to depend on any other nation for vaccines,” said Modi.

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Modi also paid tributes to key leaders of India’s freedom struggle Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Vallabhbhai Patel, Rani Lakshmibai, Subhash Chandra Bose and other freedom fighters for their sacrifices for India’s liberty.

Modi also praised India’s Olympic contingent for making the country proud during the recently concluded Tokyo Games.

Prime Minister had invited India’s entire Tokyo Olympics contingent to the Red Fort for Independence Day celebrations on August 15, according to media reports.  

Modi will meet with athletes and interact with them and is also slated to invite them back to his residence following the event.