Speed Post News Network
New Delhi : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 9, 2020, interacted via video-conference with various NGOs in Varanasi, UP, who are providing relief during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. He praised the people of the holy & blessed city of Varanasi for brimming with hope and enthusiasm the Corona Pandemic notwithstanding.
The PM said he was continuously getting information on how people are continuously supporting the needy with a sense of servitude and courage. He said he was receiving information on various steps being taken to prevent infection, condition of various hospitals, quarantine arrangements and the welfare of the migrant workers.
The Prime Minister said that there is an old belief that nobody in Kashi would sleep with hunger as the City is blessed by Maa Annapurna and Baba VIswanath. He said that it is a great privilege for all of us that this time God has made us the medium of service to the poor, acccording to a PIB release.
He said that despite a halt on various religious activities in the holy city, the people of Varanasi have proved that they are second to none in their fight against Corona and supporting the poor and needy with continuous food & medical supply. He praised the efforts of the NGOs in working in tandem with various Government and Local Administration Bodies.
The PM said that creating an extensive network of food helplines and community kitchens in a short span of time, developing helplines, taking the help of data science, making full use of the control and command center of Varanasi Smart City, everyone has full potential to help the poor at every level. He elaborated how the Postal department came forward to help the district administration when they ran short of carts for distribution of food. Quoting Saint Kabirdas, Modi said that the one who does service does not ask for the fruits of the service, does selfless service day and night!
PM Modi said several experts hsad questioned India’s capabilities to fight the pandemic owing to its high population and many other challenges. He expressed satisfaction that the pace of infection in Uttar Pradesh with a population of 23-24 crore has not only been controlled but those who have corona are also recovering fast.
The Prime Minister said the Central government is providing various facilities to the needy and around 80 crore people are going to benefit from the schemes which are not just providing free ration but also free cylinders. He said that India, with twice the population of America, is serving them without taking a penny from them. And now this plan has been extended till the end of November, ie Deepawali and Chhath Puja.
The Prime Minister said efforts are being made to alleviate various hardships being faced by various craftsmen, especially weavers, along with traders and businessmen of Varanasi. He said various infrastructure and other projects worth Rs 8,000 crore are being implemented at a fast pace.