New Delhi,  Expressing happiness on the completion of eight years of his government on Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the confidence of the country and the confidence of the countrymen in themselves was unprecedented.

Prime Minister Modi was speaking after virtually releasing the benefits under the PM CARES for Children Scheme. Union Minister Smriti Irani, many other members of the Council of Ministers and Chief Ministers joined the event.

He said that with corruption, scams worth thousands of crores of rupees, nepotism, terrorist organisations spreading across the country, and regional discrimination, the country is getting out of the vicious cycle in which it was trapped before 2014.

"This is also an example for you children that even the most difficult days too pass", he said

Referring to the welfare policies like Swachh Bharat Mission, Jan Dhan Yojna or Har Ghar Jal Abhiyan, the Prime Minister said that the government is moving with the spirit of 'Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas'.

"The last eight years have been devoted to the welfare and service of the poor. As a member of the family, we have tried to reduce difficulties and improve the ease of living for the poor of the country," the Prime Minister said.

Modi noted that by increasing the use of technology, the government has ensured the rights of the poor.

"Now the poorest of the poor are confident that they will get the benefit of the government's schemes, they will get it continuously. To increase this trust, our government is now running a campaign of 100 per cent empowerment," he said.

The Prime Minister noted that the heights that India has achieved in the last eight years, no one could have imagined earlier.

"Today, India's pride has increased around the world, our India's power has increased in the global forums," he said. The Prime Minister expressed happiness that youth power was leading this journey of India. "Just dedicate your life to your dreams, they are bound to be realised," the Prime Minister said.

The Prime Minister empathised with the difficulties in the lives of those children who lost their loved ones due to Corona. "Every day's struggle, every day's challenges. It is difficult to put into words the pain of the children who are with us today, for whom this programme is happening," Prime Minister told the children.

He told the children that he was speaking as a member of the family, not as a Prime Minister.

"PM CARES for Children is a small effort to reduce the difficulties of such Corona affected children who lost both their mother and father. PM CARES for children is also a reflection of the fact that every countryman is with you with the utmost sensitivity," he said.

The Prime Minister informed that if someone needs an education loan for professional courses or higher education, then PM CARES will help in that too.

"For other daily needs, arrangements have also been made for Rs 4,000 every month for them through other schemes. Apart from Rs 10 lakh on attaining the age of 23 years, the children will be given health coverage through the Ayushman Card and emotional counselling through samvad helpline for psychological and emotional help," he said.

The Prime Minister saluted the children for facing the most painful impact of the pandemic so bravely and said that nothing can compensate for the love of the parents. "Maa Bharati is with all you children in this hour of difficulty. The nation is trying to meet its responsibility through PM CARES for Children," he said.

The Prime Minister further noted that even in the darkest atmosphere of despair, if we believe in ourselves, then a ray of light is definitely visible.

The Prime Minister advised the children not to allow despair to turn into defeat.

The Prime Minister asked them to listen to their elders and their teachers. He also said that in these difficult times good books can be their reliable friends. He also asked them to stay disease-free and get involved and lead 'Khelo India, Fit India Movement' and participate in the Yoga Day also.

He said that in that atmosphere of negativity, India relied on its strength.

"Our country is moving as the fastest growing economy and the world is looking towards us with new hope and faith," he added.