Stating that the planet will not be the same after COVID-19, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said vaccines are absolutely important to save lives and defeat the pandemic.

Delivering a keynote address on the occasion of Vesak Global Celebrations on Buddha Purnima, Lord Buddha's birth anniversary, through video conference, Modi said, "The economic impact left by the pandemic is huge and our planet will not be the same after COVID-19."

"There have been many noteworthy improvements as well over the last year, like having a better understanding of the pandemic, which strengthens our strategy to fight it and having the vaccine, which is absolutely important to save lives and defeat the pandemic," Modi said.

He lauded the efforts of the scientists for developing the COVID-19 vaccines within a year and said this shows the power of human determination and tenacity, IBNS reported. 

"Vesak is a day to celebrate the life of Lord Buddha and to reflect on the noble ideals and sacrifices he made for the betterment of our planet." Modi added that he dedicated last year's Vesak Day programme to all the front-line workers leading humanity's fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

"A year later, COVID-19 pandemic has still not left us and several nations, including India, have experienced a second wave,'' Modi said.

He remarked that this once in a lifetime pandemic has brought tragedy and suffering at the doorstep of many and has impacted every nation.

Modi thanked the first responders, frontline health care workers, doctors, nurses and volunteers for selflessly risking their lives to serve others in need every day.

He expressed condolences to those who have suffered and lost their near and dear ones.