Kickstarting the vaccination drive on Saturday, Narendra Modi delivered an address to the nation. He made it a point to reach out to frontline workers through his speech.

The Prime Minister won the applause of Telugu listeners when he quoted the legendary poet Gurujada Apparao, saying, "Deshamante Matti Kaadoy, Desamante Manushuloy." (Which translates in English as 'Country is not just mud and soil but its people'.) In the past, he has quoted Tamil poets, among others.

The PM said that India has developed its own vaccine and that the world is looking at us with hope. Modi urged vaccinees not to forget to take the second shot of the vaccine after 28 days. Covishield and Covaxin have been distributed throughout the country for use.

Meanwhile, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan said, "I am very happy and satisfied today. We have been fighting against the virus under the Prime Minister's leadership. The vaccine will work as a 'sanjeevani'."