Leaders hail vaccination drive, medicos express hope

As India launched the world's largest vaccination drive against the coronavirus pandemic, showing the light at the end of a 10-month tunnel that upended millions of lives and livelihoods, here are some of the quotes from politicians across parties and other people who took the jab:

India has scripted history by touching a new milestone in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic with Prime Minister Modi launching the world's largest vaccination drive. This is a proud moment for every Indian and I would like to convey my deepest appreciation to all the scientists for the remarkable speed with which the vaccines were developed in a record time. It is pertinent to point out that generally it takes several years before a vaccine reaches people at large after successful completion of all trials at all stages.

-- Venkaiah Naidu, Vice President

This 'New India' led by PM Modi is a nation which transforms crisis into opportunities and challenges into achievements. This 'Made in India' vaccine represents the determination of this self-reliant India. On this historic day, I bow to all our corona warriors.

-- Amit Shah, Union Home Minister 

These vaccines are 'sanjivani' in our fight against this pandemic. We have won the battles against polio and small pox. Now, we have reached the decisive phase of winning the war against coronavirus.

-- Harsh Vardhan, Union Health Minister

Historic and a memorable day. India becomes 'aatmanirbhar' (self-reliant) in the fight against COVID-19. Vaccines made in India being rolled out. Greatly appreciate the inspiring leadership of PM Narendra Modi which made it happen. Vande Mataram.

-- Ravi Shankar Prasad, Union Law Minister

I have interacted with those vaccinated. No one has any problem. All are happy that they will get rid of coronavirus. I want to say to all not to pay attention to rumours and misinformation. The experts say vaccines are safe and there is no need to worry.

-- Arvind Kejriwal, Delhi CM

Today is a day of immense happiness and excitement. India is the first country which has launched two vaccines. I have just now met the health workers who have got vaccinated and they are all fine. I congratulate Prime Minister Narendra Modi for this achievement and thank the scientists of the country. At this point of time, when the country is moving ahead in this battle against a pandemic, we have also to remain alert for the people who are spreading rumours.

-- Yogi Adityanath, Uttar Pradesh CM 

It is a revolutionary step we are taking today. I salute to the corona warriors who selflessly treated the COVID-19 patients when there was no remedy available.

-- Uddhav Thackeray, Maharashtra CM

Everyone should for sure get vaccinated. You and I have to get vaccinated. Those from your and my family too should get the vaccinated.

-- Edappadi K Palaniswami, Tamil Nadu CM

The pandemic is not going to end after this vaccine. We still need to make sure that we follow the health protocol, including the use of masks, hand wash and social distancing. The immunity will be developed slowly.

-- K K Shailaja, Kerala health minister

It seems we are slowly coming out of the pandemic, which has claimed so many lives. We were in a state of depression for the last one year. From today, we will again relive our lives.

-- Firhad Hakim, West Bengal urban development minister

When pre and post pandemic history will be written, your (Covid warriors') contribution will be written in golden words.

-- Manoj Sinha, Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor

The anti-bodies begin to form two weeks after the second dose, which is administered on the 28th day after the first. You must show patience and wait for at least one-and-a-half months.

-- Trivendra Singh Rawat, Uttarakhand CM

I believe that this is a great vaccine. I have taken Covaxin. Embrace the vaccine.

-- V K Paul, NITI Aayog member

It brings me great pride that #COVISHIELD is part of this historic effort & to endorse it's safety & efficacy, I join our health workers in taking the vaccine myself.

-- Adar Poonawalla, Serum Institute CEO

Benefit of vaccination clearly outweighs the risk of disease.... I have taken the vaccine to give a message to people of country that the vaccine is safe and will be helpful.

-- M K Sudarshan, chairperson of Karnataka government's COVID-19 technical advisory committee

Many of them (staff) were scared. So, I went to my seniors and said I should be given the vaccine first. I wanted to prove to my colleagues that there is no need to be scared. My wife even asked me not to take the vaccine. I told her it is just an injection. After taking the dose, I asked my mother to tell my wife that I am safe.

-- Manish Kumar, first person in Delhi to get vaccine shot

It's a great day for humankind. I feel elated to get the first dose.

-- Bipasha Seth, the first person who got inoculated in West Bengal

There was always fear in mind because of close proximity to coronavirus patients. But now I am feeling much safer.

-- Abdul Qayoom, security guard at Era Medical College in Uttar Pradesh

We risked our lives and were pained to see so many deaths every day. It is a relief that we have a vaccine against coronavirus now.

-- Biji Tomy, a nurse in Delhi who got the shot

I feel perfectly normal after the vaccination. Drawing blood from veins hurts more.

-- Naveen Kumar from LNJP Hospital's administration department in Delhi

I didn't have any apprehension about getting this vaccine. Everyone should take it.

-- Ashokbhai, the first recipient of the vaccine in Gujarat