Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation on Sunday in his monthly radio broadcast programme ‘Mann Ki Baat’ and said the government is working to get Chhath Puja listed on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. He said the famous local festival of the state of Bihar, is now becoming global.

“Ahead of the festive season, the PM said that “Chhath Puja honours Surya Dev with offerings to the setting sun. Once local, it is now becoming a global festival,” he said in the 126th edition of ‘Mann Ki Baat’.

The Prime Minister also remembered Assam singer Zubeen Garg, who recently died in a tragic swimming accident in Singapore. PM Modi called him a “celebrated singer”, and added that his legacy will always live on.

“People are mourning the untimely passing of Zubeen Garg, a celebrated singer known nationwide. Deeply connected to Assamese culture, Zubeen Garg’s legacy will live on, and his music will continue to captivate generations to come,” the Prime Minister said.

PM Modi remembers Lata Mangeshkar, Bhagat Singh

The Prime Minister also remembered Bharat Ratna and legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar on her birth anniversary. He said her songs have had a deep impact on the people of the country.

“Today is also the birth anniversary of Lata Mangeshkar. Anyone interested in Indian culture and music cannot help but be moved by her songs. Her songs comprise everything that stirs human emotions. The patriotic songs she sang inspired people greatly. She also had a deep connection with Indian culture. I offer my heartfelt tribute to Lata Didi. Friends, among the great personalities who inspired Lata Didi, one was Veer Savarkar, whom she called Tatya. She also lent her voice to many of Veer Savarkar ji’s songs,” the PM said.

The PM also recalled Bhagat Singh and his supreme sacrifice for the country. “The immortal martyr Bhagat Singh is an inspiration for every Indian, especially the youth of the country. Fearlessness was deeply ingrained in his nature. Before getting hanged for the sake of the country, Bhagat Singh ji had written a letter to the British,” he said.

The PM noted that “Bhagat Singh had said, “I want you to treat me and my comrades as prisoners of war. Therefore, our lives should not be taken away by hanging, but directly with a bullet.” This is a testament to his indomitable courage. Bhagat Singh ji was also very sensitive to the sufferings of the people and was always at the forefront in helping them. I respectfully pay my tribute to Shaheed Bhagat Singh ji.”

PM Modi reiterates ‘Swadeshi’ pitch

The Prime Minister, again, urged the people to go for local and support Indian artisans and product makers. He said that October 2nd marks Gandhi Jayanti, and added that he has always emphasized adopting Swadeshi, and Khadi was his most cherished symbol.

“Unfortunately, after independence, the prominence of Khadi had somewhat diminished, but over the past 11 years, the interest of the people in Khadi has increased significantly. In recent years, we have seen a rapid rise in Khadi sales. I urge all of you to buy at least one Khadi product on October 2nd and proudly say that it is Swadeshi. Share it on social media…” the PM said in the ‘Mann Ki Baat‘ programme.

“You can make your festivals even more special by taking a resolve.” PM Modi said, urging countrymen to celebrate this festival only with Swadeshi products. “… you will see the joy of our celebrations rise manifold. Make ‘Vocal for Local’ your shopping mantra. Resolve, that for all times, you will buy only what is produced in the country. You will take home only what is made by the people of the country. You will use only those goods which bear the toil of a citizen of the country,” he said.

RSS’ century – What PM said

He also said that this year, Vijayadashami is especially significant because it marks the centenary of the establishment of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). “A journey spanning a century is as remarkable as it is inspiring…”

He said the centuries-long slavery had deeply hurt self-respect and self-confidence. The world’s oldest civilization was being made to face an identity crisis and it was the Indians who were becoming victims of inferiority complex.

“Therefore, along with the country’s independence, it was also important that the country be freed from intellectual slavery. In this context, the most revered Dr. Hedgewar began to ponder over this issue; and for this herculean task, he founded the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh on the auspicious occasion of Vijayadashami in 1925. After Dr. Saheb’s passing, Param Poojya Guruji carried forward this great yagya of service to the nation. Param Poojya Guruji used to say, “Rashtraya Swaha, Idam Rashtraya Idam Na Mam,” meaning, “This is not mine, this belongs to the nation.” It inspires us to rise above self-interest and embrace dedication to the nation. This statement by Guruji Golwalkar has shown millions of volunteers the path of sacrifice and service. This spirit of sacrifice, service, and the discipline it teaches is the true strength of the Sangh. Today, the RSS has been relentlessly and tirelessly engaged in national service for over a hundred years,” the PM added.