‘We have to become self-reliant’ says PM Modi, urges Indians to buy Swadeshi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his Mann ki Baat address on Sunday made a renewed pitch to the citizens of the country to buy 'khadi' products and locally-made goods in the ongoing festival season to strengthen India’s domestic economy and vitalise its entrepreneurs.

Modi addressed the 126th episode of his monthly radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat' and first paid tribute to Shaheed Bhagat Singh, saying that he is an inspiration for every Indian, especially the youth of the country.

modi said that the Indian government is working to get Chhath Puja listed in UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. He explained that Chhath Puja is dedicated to Surya Dev, with devotees offering prayers to the setting sun. Originally a local tradition, the festival is now gaining recognition globally.

“I extend to you good wishes on the upcoming Diwali, but I also reiterate: we have to become self-reliant, we have to make the country self-reliant; and the path to that lies only through Swadeshi,” Modi said.

"October 2nd is Gandhi Jayanti. Gandhi ji always emphasised the adoption of Swadeshi, and Khadi was foremost among them. Unfortunately, after independence, the charm of Khadi was fading, but in the last 11 years, the attraction of the people of the country towards Khadi has increased significantly. Khadi sales have seen a huge increase in the last few years. I urge all of you to buy some Khadi product on October 2nd. Say with pride that these are Swadeshi. Also share it on social media with #VocalforLocal," he said.

"Like Khadi, our handloom and handicraft sector is also witnessing significant changes. Today, numerous examples are emerging in our country that demonstrate how combining tradition and innovation can yield remarkable results. One example is Yaazh Naturals in Tamil Nadu. Here, Ashok Jagdishan and Prem Selvaraj left their corporate jobs to take on 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. Ashish Satyavrat Sahu of Jharkhand has taken tribal weaving and garments to the global stage through the Johargram brand. Thanks to his efforts, people in other countries are now recognising Jharkhand's cultural heritage," he added.

The Prime Minister said that before embracing the gallows for the country, Bhagat Singh Ji had also written a letter to the British.

The Prime Minister recalled the letter of Bhagat Singh and said that he had written, 'I want you to treat me and my comrades like prisoners of war. Therefore, our lives should not be taken by hanging but by shooting us directly.'

"Amar Shaheed Bhagat Singh is an inspiration for every Indian, especially the youth of the country," Modi said.

He also remembered legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar on her birth anniversary and said that her songs comprise everything that stirs human emotions.

He further said that the patriotic songs she sang had a profound impact on people.

"Today is also the birth anniversary of Lata Mangeshkar...Her songs comprise everything that stirs human emotions. The patriotic songs she sang inspired people. She also had a deep connection with Indian culture. I offer my heartfelt tribute to Lata Didi. My bond of affection with Lata Didi has always remained intact. She used to send me a Rakhi every year without fail. I told her that I loved the song 'Jyoti Kalash Chhalke,' sung by her and composed by Sudhir Phadke Ji," the Prime Minister said.

He also interacted with two officers of the Indian Navy, Lieutenant Commander Dilna, and the other is Lieutenant Commander Roopa. he said, "Two brave officers of the Indian Navy have demonstrated courage and determination during the Navika Sagar Parikrama. I would like to introduce the listeners of 'Mann Ki Baat' to these two brave officers. One is Lieutenant Commander Dilna, and the other is Lieutenant Commander Roopa."

"I am very happy to inform you that the Government of India is also engaged in a major endeavour connected with Chhath Puja. The Government of India is striving to include the Chhath Mahaparva in UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage List. When Chhath Puja is included in the UNESCO list, people in every corner of the world will be able to experience its grandeur and divinity."

"Our festivals 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. In it, we offer prayers to the setting sun and worship it. Chhath is not only celebrated in different parts of the country, but its splendour is also seen across the world. Today, it is becoming a global festival," he said.

The Prime Minister lauded lauded 100 years of RSS's remarkable, unprecedented, inspiring' journey and praised its selfless service and discipline.

He said that the spirit of 'nation first' always supreme in every effort of RSS volunteers.

"This Vijayadashami is very special for another reason. This day marks 100 years of the foundation of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. This journey of a century is as amazing, unprecedented, and inspiring as it is. 100 years ago, when the RSS was founded, 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 civilisation was facing an identity crisis. Our citizens were becoming victims of an inferiority complex...The spirit of sacrifice and service and the teachings of discipline, are the true strength of the Sangh. Today, the RSS has been tirelessly and unstoppably engaged in serving the nation for a hundred years. That is why we see that whenever there is a natural disaster anywhere in the country, RSS volunteers are the first to reach there. This spirit of 'Nation First' always remains paramount in every action and every endeavour of the lives of millions of volunteers. I offer my best wishes to every volunteer who is dedicating himself to the great yagya of serving the nation," the Prime Minister said.