During his Mann Ki Baat speech on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh's (RSS) forthcoming 100th anniversary, urged people to purchase Khadi on Gandhi Jayanti, and announced that the government is attempting to have Chhath Puja recognised by UNESCO.
PM Modi commended the RSS for its contributions to society in his 125th broadcast."The true strengths of the Sangh are the discipline lesson and the spirit of selfless service," he stated.
He recalled Guru Golwalkar and KB Hedgewar, the founder of the RSS, who aimed to instill a sense of national service.
When a natural disaster strikes, RSS volunteers are always among the first to arrive, he continued.
In his remarks about festivals, Prime Minister Modi claimed that Chhath Puja is a reflection of Indian customs and culture.
According to him, the festival is being considered for inclusion in UNESCO's list of intangible cultural heritage.
"People from all over the world will be able to experience the festival's grandeur and divinity when this happens," he stated.
Durga Puja in Kolkata is already on the list. On October 2, PM Modi also encouraged people to purchase Khadi goods in support of Swadeshi.
"This is Swadeshi," he declared proudly, adding that sales of Khadi have increased significantly over the previous 11 years.
Lieutenant Commander Dilna and Lieutenant Commander Roopa, two female navy officers who participated in the Navika Sagar Parikrama, were also addressed by the prime minister.
On the anniversaries of their births, he honoured vocalist Lata Mangeshkar and Bhagat Singh, saying they still serve as inspiration to Indians.
