Prime Minister Narendra Modi received the 'UNEP Champions of the Earth' award from United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres, at a ceremony in Delhi on Wednesday.

“PM Modi recognizes climate change poses a direct existential threat to us. He knows what we need to do to avoid a catastrophe. Other leaders also recognize, know & understand, but the difference is that he not only recognizes but he acts”, United Nations Secy General Antonio Guterres

India is the 4th largest producer of solar power and 5th largest producer of renewable energy.

Soon, the ranking would improve owing to PM Narendra Modi's efforts, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres assured.

On the other hand PM Modi on his acceptance speech dedicated the prestigious award to the 132.42 crores people of India.

In his address PM Modi said that Climate and calamity are directly related to culture; till climate is not the focus of culture, calamity cannot be prevented.

“Climate and Calamity have a direct relationship with culture. Concerning climate is not difficult to escape from calamity unless it is a part of culture.Today, the world is accepting India's sentiment towards the environment, but it has been a part of our lifestyle for thousands of years”.

“This honor is of commitment to the 100 million people of India for the protection of the environment.The Champions of the Earth Award, the eternal new creed of India is an honor for the ancient tradition, which has seen God in nature, who has called for the establishment of Panchtattva at the origin of the creation”.

Mahatma Gandhi said, "cleanliness is godliness". Can there be any better way than the Swachh Bharat campaign to apply this philosophy in the 21st century? , Erik Solheim, Head, of UN Environment said to applaud PM Modi's initiative towards cleanliness.