The collective spirit of 1.3 billion Indians has played a key role in achieving this remarkable feat of 1.6 billion COVID-19 vaccinations — a new milestone. In less than a year India administered over 1.6 billion vaccine doses, which is a living example of its resilience and steadfast resolve. It is also reflective of India’s increasing self-reliance while displaying the indomitable spirit in sustaining a countrywide vaccination drive which began in January 2021 that achieved this milestone of 1.6 billion vaccine doses in less than a year. India, with a burgeoning population, felt the urgent need to rise to the situation and jointly they did. “1.5 billion vaccine doses, that too in less than a year. It is a huge number in terms of statistics. It is nothing short of a surprise for most of the big countries of the world. It is also a symbol of the capability of the 1.3 billion citizens of India. “For India, it is a symbol of a new will that has the courage to do anything to make the impossible possible. This is a symbol of confidence for India. This is a symbol of self-reliance. This is a symbol of self-pride. I congratulate all the countrymen on this occasion today,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said. As long as the disease is around there is no scope of being complacent. Since the disease does not discriminate, there should be no bias in vaccination as well. At present, more than 90 percent of India’s eligible adult population has received at least one dose of the vaccine. The vaccine, introduced for adolescents of 15-17 years, has given protection to more than 20 million children in just one week. India developed homegrown vaccines in just nine months and is well on its path to providing vaccine protection to 100 percent of its eligible population. The country started the ‘Free Vaccine for All’ campaign. Without any prejudice and bias, the vaccine was given to all sections of society. People’s participation remained the key to the successful vaccination campaign. But achieving this feat was easier said than done. When the biggest pandemic of the century struck India, several doubts were raised about its ability to handle the situation. Also, questions were raised about India’s resourcefulness in buying so many vaccines from other countries. But mass public participation became the basis of the vaccination campaign and its success story. A collective picture of India’s vaccination drive tells the saga of fortitude resilience. People braved various adverse situations and went to get jabbed against COVID-19. In some places nurses went to remote desert areas on camel back, at some places Asha workers continued with the vaccination campaign despite landslide. The vaccination campaign has given a strong message to the world about the perseverance and resilience of ordinary citizens. In the difficult geographical conditions of a diverse country, public dialogue and public participation became the basis of the world’s largest vaccination campaign. Scientific methods and innovative approaches played a crucial role. The CoWin platform made in India facilitated easy registration for vaccination. The vaccination milestone has been the result of everyone’s hard work. Doctors, health workers, Asha workers took painstaking efforts to reach out to people in every district and village often in far-flung areas. India had administered 1 billion vaccinations in October 2021. World leaders showered praise on India for reaching this crucial landmark. Indian prime minister praised the 1.3 billion Indians the scientific community of the country, doctors, nurses and all the persons associated with the campaign. India’s new milestone in COVID-19 vaccination is reflective of its increasing self-reliance. It is the occasion to show gratitude towards doctors, nurses, and health workers for their selfless services. It is also the occasion to recognize the meritorious services of our scientists and workers engaged in vaccine production. It celebrates the painstaking efforts of Asha and Anganwadi workers. The free vaccine for all campaign has been a roaring success. Har Ghar Dastak has given a new impetus to it through the door-to-door vaccination campaign. It’s not just a colossal vaccination campaign in terms of high vaccination doses administered but also a living testimony of the success of India’s indigenous vaccine and efficient manpower. In its fight against COVID-19, India was guided by the two mottos of- ‘Jaan Hai Toh Jahan Hai’ and ‘Jaan Shi Jahan Shi’ which acted as its cardinal principles in framing future strategy. Modi encouraged the companies making vaccines. All support was extended to these companies and as a result, two vaccines — Covishield and Covaxin — were indigenously developed in record time. Even before the vaccination campaign started, health workers were trained for the purpose. The Omicron variant is spreading faster than all the older variants. It has so far proved to be more contagious than expected. Health experts are assessing the situation, the government is also not leaving any stone unturned in the preparations. Modi is constantly reviewing the situation in the midst of the third wave of COVID-19. In a meeting with the chief ministers/ administrators of the States/UTs on Jan. 13, he discussed the availability of beds and oxygen in hospitals, apart from the pace of vaccination. In the meeting, Modi emphasized the need to intensify the Har Ghar Dastak campaign to achieve the target of 100 percent vaccination at the earliest, and also stressed the need to combat any misinformation about vaccines or wearing masks. He said, “India’s battle with the biggest pandemic in 100 years has now entered its third year. Hard work is our only way and victory is the only option. We, the 1.3 billion people of India, will surely emerge victorious from coronavirus with our efforts.” — Agencies