PM Modi takes the Indian vaccine jab: A message to India and a slap for instigators of North-South divide

Over the past few years, Prime Minister Modi has mastered the art of communication and arguably is one of the best leaders when it comes to striking a chord with the masses through effective messaging. As PM Modi took part in the second phase of the vaccination programme and stepped out to take his first dose of the coronavirus vaccine on March 1, he sent an important message to the country and the states of Kerala, Assam and Puducherry, while subtly addressing the North-South divide.

As India prepares to vaccinate its population in the age bracket of 60+ and those above 45 with co-morbidities, the Prime Minister led the way as he urged his fellow countrymen to wholeheartedly take the vaccine which will end the China-originated pandemic.

At a time when TMC leaders in West Bengal and Shiv Sena leaders in Maharashtra are jumping the queue and taking the vaccines, PM Modi waited for his turn and chose to take the vaccine earlier this morning.

PM Modi received the first shot of Bharat Biotech and the Indian Council of Medical Research’s Covaxin and the messaging couldn’t have been better. The opposition parties led by Congress spread fear among the masses over Covaxin simply because of the fact that it was completely developed and made in India.

Seemingly stuck in their colonial mindset, the opposition leaders preferred the Pfizer vaccine or Serum Institute of India’s Covishield vaccine which has been developed in partnership with Oxford University. The Prime Minister’s decision to opt for Covaxin will assuage the fears surrounding the efficacy of the vaccine and will go a long way in busting the myths propagated by the country’s opposition parties.

The Prime Minister, who chose to take the vaccine early in the morning without any special route restrictions so as to not cause any inconvenience to the commoners, took the first shot of Covaxin at government-run AIIMS.

Sharing his joy and sending a message to all citizens of India, PM Modi tweeted, “Took my first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at AIIMS. Remarkable how our doctors and scientists have worked in quick time to strengthen the global fight against COVID-19. I appeal to all those who are eligible to take the vaccine. Together, let us make India COVID-19 free!”

PM Modi was also donning an Assamese gamosa, something which he has worn on multiple occasions in the past and according to officials, the scarf “is symbolic of blessings of women from Assam”. Moreover, he was administered the vaccine dose by the nurses hailing from Puducherry and Kerala. Rosamma Anil and P Niveda – belonging to Kerala and Puducherry respectively administered the vaccine dose to PM Modi.

“Laga bhi diya aur pata bhi nahin chala,” remarked the Prime Minister, according to P Niveda after receiving the shot. She added, “I am posted at the vaccine centre. I was called. We found out PM sir is coming today. It was great to meet PM sir. He asked where we are from, talked with us.”

Also, a grinning Rosamma Anil added, “It was very nice. Sir also was very comfortable.”

This was a big jolt to Congress scion Rahul Gandhi who has been practising politics of the North-South divide as in his recent rally in Kerala, Gandhi insinuated that the people of North are superficial. PM Modi’s message has thus been effective and one hopes that the people of the country take the vaccine without any hesitation and end the pandemic for good.