New Delhi: Reaching out to a global audience through a virtual prayer session on Buddha Purnima, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Thursday said India is standing strongly behind anyone in crisis in the country and anywhere in the world, discarding considerations of “profit and loss, powerful or weak”.
The PM said this is the reason why many countries remembered India in these times of crisis, and the nation has left no stone unturned in extending help while making all efforts to save the countrymen.
“India is fulfilling its global obligations,” Modi said, participating in the Vesak global celebrations on Buddha Purnima via video conference.
India has been offering humanitarian aid and exporting critical drugs to other countries to fight the coronavirus pandemic.
From the US, Brazil and Spain to the Middle East, Malaysia, Nepal and Bangladesh, India has exported critical drugs like hydroxychloroquine and paracetamol to more than 20 countries since the outbreak.
The PM said this crisis has to be fought together. “To stop after getting tired cannot be a solution to any problem. All of us have to fight together to defeat coronavirus,” he said.
‘Teachings of Buddha more relevant today’
Modi also praised the International Buddhist Confederation and said because of this novel attempt to livestream the festival, lakhs of followers from across the world have been able to connect.
Modi said every word and preaching of Buddha reinforces India’s commitment to serve humanity. “Buddha is the symbol of both realisation and self-realisation of India. With this self-realisation, India is working in the interest of the world.”
The PM said teachings of Buddha have become more relevant today in these times when there is upheaval and a mood of distress everywhere.
He also praised the organisers who had decided to dedicate the festival to all health workers and other such people fighting the Covid-19 pandemic across the world.
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