There is no class of people who did not suffer due to this outbreak, but poor, labourers hit hardest, says PM
In his monthly Mann ki Baat broadcast, Modi said India was in the middle of a yudh (war) and asserted people have to continue being careful and take precautions
In over 30-minute-long address, he said that India's fight against the coronavirus is "people-driven" and is being fought by the masses and the administration together
The Prime Minister said all the people are soldiers in this people-driven fight
The show will be aired at 11 am on All India Radio, DD and Narendra Modi App.
Modi said he extends heartfelt apology to all Indians and said he strongly feels from the core of his heart that the people will forgive him because he had to take certain decisions
Addressing his monthly 'Mann ki Baat' radio address, the prime minister referred to Tamil poetess Avvaiyar to drive home his point
He appealed to those seeking to settle issues through violence to return to the mainstream, saying they should have faith in the capabilities of India to resolve matters peacefully
Modi also appealed to all those trying to find solutions through weapons and violence to come back (to the mainstream)
Gehlot said JLF was the place where thinkers across the world came and did "kaam ki baat" along with "mann ki baat".
He cited Mahatma Gandhi, saying he viewed this spirit of Swadeshi as a lamp illuminating the lives of millions as well as bringing prosperity in the lives of the poorest of the poor
The prime minister also urged people to promote local products in their purchases
He also encouraged people to use one's mother tongue saying all progress is meaningless if one's mother tongue is neglected
I used to read books but Google has spoilt my habit of reading, as it's a shortcut if you want to seek a reference, says PM Modi
Thanks to the people of India, social organisations, political parties, saints, seers and leaders of all faiths, it became a day that furthered unity, he said
He also said there are several misconceptions being spread about use of e cigarettes, including the one which says that it is not harmful for health
The call for a mass movement came days after Modi's Independence Day's address in which he had urged people to shun 'single-use' plastic to protect the environment
Hailing the indigenous project, he said it is 'thoroughly Indian in heart and spirit. It is completely a swadeshi, home grown mission'
In his monthly 'Mann ki baat' broadcast, he said the "Back to village" programme held in June in Jammu and Kashmir saw enthusiastic participation of villagers everywhere
'During Emergency, every citizen of the country had started getting the feeling that something that belonged to him had been snatched away,' said Modi