126th episode of Mann Ki Baat, mention of Chhath Puja and Diwali, PM appeals to buy indigenous products during festivals

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke on the festive season, self-reliant India, and vocal for local in the 126th episode of his radio show "Mann Ki Baat" on Sunday. The PM said, "This time, buy only indigenous products during the festivals. Resolve, forever, to buy only what is produced in the country."

The PM also spoke on Dussehra and Chhath festivals. Modi said, "The Indian government is working to include Chhath festival in the UNESCO list. After this, the grandeur of the festival will spread throughout the world."

The program began with a tribute to Bhagat Singh and Lata Mangeshkar.
The PM said, "Today is Lata Mangeshkar's birth anniversary. Anyone interested in Indian culture and music cannot help but be moved by her songs. Her songs have everything that stirs human emotions. Sudhir Phadke, the great figure of Marathi light music, first introduced me to Lata Didi." I told Lata Didi that I really like your song, "Jyoti Kalash Chhalke."

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 being hanged for the country, Bhagat Singh wrote a letter to the British, saying, "I want you to treat me and my comrades like prisoners of war. Therefore, our lives should be taken not by hanging but by shooting." This is a testament to his indomitable courage.

PM's address, 5 key points...

On Vocal for Local
If we resolve to celebrate festivals this year with only indigenous products, you will see the joy of our celebrations increase exponentially. Make 'Vocal for Local' your shopping mantra. Resolve, forever, to buy only what is produced in the country. We will take home only what is made by the people of the country. We will use only products that have the hard work of a citizen of the country.

On Chhath Festival
Our festivals and celebrations keep India's culture alive. Chhath Puja is a sacred festival that comes after Diwali. This grand festival dedicated to the Sun God is very special. During this festival, we offer prayers to the setting sun and worship him. Chhath is not only celebrated in different parts of the country, but its splendor is seen all over the world. Today, it is becoming a global festival. I am very happy to inform you that the Government of India is also making a major effort to celebrate Chhath Puja.

On Gandhi Jayanti
October 2nd is Gandhi Jayanti. Gandhiji always emphasized the adoption of Swadeshi, and Khadi was foremost among them. Unfortunately, after independence, Khadi's charm was fading, but in the last 11 years, people's attraction towards Khadi has increased significantly. Khadi sales have seen a surge in the last few years. I urge all of you to buy some Khadi product on October 2nd. Proudly declare that it is Swadeshi. Share it on social media with Vocal for Local.

About RSS
This Vijayadashami is very special for another reason. It marks the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). This journey of a century is as remarkable, unprecedented, and inspiring as it is remarkable. When the RSS was founded 100 years ago, the country had been bound in the chains of slavery for centuries. This centuries-long slavery had deeply hurt our self-respect and self-confidence. The world's oldest civilization was facing an identity crisis. Our citizens were becoming victims of an inferiority complex.

About Clean India
During festivals, we all engage in cleaning our homes. But cleanliness shouldn't be limited to the four walls of our homes. Cleanliness should become our responsibility everywhere: streets, neighborhoods, markets, and villages. Friends, this entire time is a time of celebration here, and Diwali becomes a grand celebration. I wish you all a very happy Diwali.

Mention of these people in Mann Ki Baat

Lieutenant Commanders Dilna and Rupa
Two brave officers of the Indian Navy demonstrated courage and determination during the Navika Sagar Parikrama. Lieutenant Commanders Dilna and Rupa traveled 50,000 km in a rowboat for eight months continuously. The PM spoke with both of them over the phone. During this time, the women officers discussed the challenges they faced during the journey.

Ashish Satyavrat Sahu
Ashish Satyavrat Sahu of Jharkhand has brought tribal weaving and clothing to the global stage through the Johragram brand. Thanks to his efforts, people in other countries have also become aware of Jharkhand's cultural heritage.

Ashok Jagadeeshan-Prem Selvaraj
Ashok Jagadeeshan and Prem Selvaraj of Tamil Nadu left their corporate jobs and took up a new initiative. They made yoga mats from grass and banana fibre, dyed clothes with herbal dyes, and provided employment to 200 families by training them.