India extends healing hands to world: PM Narendra Modi highlights NRIs’ work in Africa, India’s disaster response

New Delhi, Apr 27: Addressing the nation in the 121st episode of his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday praised the humanitarian efforts of the Indian diaspora in Ethiopia, as well as India’s swift response to recent natural disasters abroad. “I have come to know about an innovative effort of NRIs in Ethiopia, Africa,” PM Modi said. “Indians living in Ethiopia have taken the initiative to send children who are suffering from heart disease since birth to India for treatment. Many such children are also being helped financially by Indian families.” He added that when families were unable to afford travel costs, Indian volunteers made arrangements to bring the children to India for medical care.

“The effort is to ensure that every needy child of Ethiopia suffering from a serious ailment receives better treatment,” the Prime Minister said. “This noble work of NRIs is being appreciated a lot in Ethiopia.” PM Modi underlined also India’s growing medical capacity is not just transforming healthcare within the country but is also reaching citizens around the world. “Medical facilities are constantly improving in India,” he said. “Citizens of other countries are also benefitting from that.”

In a further testament to India’s commitment to global welfare, Modi highlighted recent international health assistance initiatives. “Just a few days ago, India has also sent a large quantity of vaccine for the people of Afghanistan,” he said. “These vaccines will be useful in preventing dangerous diseases like Rabies, Tetanus, Hepatitis B and Influenza.” Similarly, responding to Nepal’s request, India dispatched a major consignment of medicines and vaccines aimed at treating thalassemia and sickle cell disease. “Whenever it comes to serving humanity, India has always been at the forefront and will always be at the forefront in every such need in the future as well,” the Prime Minister affirmed.

In the same address, Mr Modi stressed the importance of public preparedness during natural disasters. “We were just referring to Disaster Management and the most important thing in dealing with any natural disaster is your alertness,” he said. He introduced listeners to ‘Sachet’, a new mobile application developed by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).

“’Sachet APP’ can save you from getting trapped in any natural disaster,” he said. “Be it flood, cyclone, land-slide, tsunami, forest fire, avalanche, storm, hurricane or lightning, ‘Sachet APP’ tries to keep you informed and protected in every way.” Importantly, the app offers updates from the Indian Meteorological Department and provides information in regional languages. “You too should take advantage of this APP and share your experiences with us,” Mr Modi urged.

Reflecting on India’s role as a first responder to international crises, Mr Modi recalled the devastating earthquake that struck Myanmar last month. “You certainly must have seen the horrific pictures of the earthquake that struck Myanmar,” he said. “Every breath, every moment was precious for the people trapped under the debris.”

In response, India immediately launched Operation Brahma. “From Air Force aircraft to Navy ships, everything was sent to help Myanmar,” the Prime Minister said. “The Indian team set up a field hospital there, supplied blankets, tents, sleeping bags, medicines, food items and more.” A team of Indian engineers also assessed damage to critical infrastructure.

PM Modi shared a moving account of an elderly woman, over 70 years old, who was rescued after being buried under debris for more than 18 hours. “The Indian team provided every treatment facility, from stabilizing her oxygen level to treatment of fractures,” he said. “When this elderly woman was discharged from the hospital, she expressed her gratitude to our team, saying she had got a new life because of the Indian rescue team.” He also highlighted the Indian team’s relief operations at a monastery in Mandalay, where Buddhist monks expressed their blessings and gratitude. “We are very proud of all those who participated in Operation Brahma,” Mr Modi said.

Emphasizing India’s ethos of service beyond borders, the Prime Minister concluded: “We have our tradition, our values, the sentiment of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ — the whole world is one family. India’s readiness as the Vishwa-Mitra (friend of the world) in times of crisis and India’s commitment to humanity is becoming the hallmark of our identity.”