NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today interacted with beneficiaries of the Digital India programme, as the government's flagship initiative completed six years and said that six years of Digital India programme marks rapid strides that the country has taken in the adoption of technology.

While speaking at a virtual event, PM Modi said that Digital India is the 21st century's slogan of the country's strength. "If there is a zeal for innovation, there is a passion for its quick adaption in the country. This is why Digital India is India's resolution, the practice of Atmanirbhar Bharat. Digital India is the 21st century's slogan of India's strength," Modi said.        

Modi said that data and demographic dividend combined with India's proven tech prowess presents a massive opportunity for the country, and exuded confidence that this decade will be 'India's techade'.  

"Data and demographic dividend present a massive opportunity for India, together, we will be successful in making this decade 'India's techade'," PM Modi said.  

Speaking to beneficiaries of various schemes of the Digital India programme, including Diksha, eNAM, eSanjeevani solution for telemedicine, DigiBunai and PM SVANidhi scheme via video conference, Modi spoke of the critical role that technology had played during the pandemic to ensure continuity of education, access to healthcare, and other citizen services.  

Digital solutions created by India during the COVID-19 pandemic are being acknowledged globally, he said adding that the contact tracing app, Aarogya Setu, has played a key role in containing the spread of COVID-19 in the country.