New Delhi: Union minister for information and broadcasting Anurag Thakur revealed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi got emotional during the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday when discussing the tunnel rescue mission. Thakur shared, "This matter (Uttarkashi tunnel rescue) did come before the Cabinet, and the Prime Minister was very emotional. The prayers of the entire country were with them... A whole-of-government approach was adopted, and efforts were made by the entire country to save each and every life trapped in the tunnel. Even during election campaigning, the PM used to seek information from the (Uttarakhand) Chief Minister twice a day."
Highlighting the government's commitment to saving lives in crisis, Thakur stated, "Every life matters, and the Modi government has always made all efforts to save people during moments of crisis and distress. Be it Ukraine, Libya, Syria, Afghanistan, Nepal. Wherever there is a crisis, our government ensures everyone is brought out safely."
Emphasising the concerted efforts of the entire government machinery, Thakur noted, "The entire government machinery was pressed into action to save the lives. These workers are part and parcel of India’s development story, which is why the PM regularly felicitates them. They made out a new Parliament building, the Kartavyapath, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, etc. The PM always made a point to honor the workers. He even washed their feet."
However, Thakur reflected on a crucial aspect, stating, "But, one thing surely came as to what is 'team spirit' and what is leadership ability, and our workers have displayed that too and how their leader said he would go out at the end till all of them were taken out. We have a lot to learn from the workers who were trapped there."
