Mann Ki Baat: PM Modi urges people to celebrate upcoming festive season with Swadeshi products to give wings to dreams of young entrepreneurs

Sharing thoughts in his Mann Ki Baat Programme on Akashvani, Mr Modi remarked that festivals are coming one after another in the coming days and the GST Bachat Utsav is also going on.

He called upon people to make a resolution to buy products that are produced in the country. He added that doing so will bring hope to a family, honor the hard work of an artisan, and give wings to the dreams of a young entrepreneur.

PM Modi also emphasised that cleanliness during the festive season should not be limited to homes, but extend to streets, neighborhoods, markets, and villages.

Prime Minister remarked that people worship Shakti during this time of Navratri. He noted that the daughters of the country are making a mark in every field – from business to sports, and education to science.

PM Modi highlighted the feat of two brave officers of the Indian Navy who stayed at sea for eight months during the Navika Sagar Parikrama.

In today’s Mann Ki Baat, Prime Minister spoke to Lieutenant Commander Dilna and Lieutenant Commander Roopa.

They recounted their experience, saying it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

They prepared for the expedition for three years, from navigation to operating communication emergency devices. They said that the most memorable moment of the trip was hoisting the Indian flag at Point Nemo, which is the remotest location in the world.

Lieutenant Commander Dilna and Lieutenant Commander Roopa became the first Indian, the first Asian, and the first people in the world to reach there in a sailboat.  I've 

During their circumnavigation, they also visited different countries – Australia, New Zealand, Port Stanley and South Africa.

Prime Minister Modi said he was thrilled to hear about the tremendous courage they have shown. He expressed confidence that their hard work, success, and achievements will inspire the youth, especially the girls of the country.

The Prime Minister was pleased to share that Chhath Puja is now turning into a global festival. He informed that the Government is striving to include the Chhath Mahaparva in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List.

He said that 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. PM Modi noted that on account of similar efforts by the Government, Kolkata’s Durga Puja also became a part of this UNESCO list.

PM Modi remarked that this 126th episode of Mann Ki Baat holds special significance as today is the birth anniversary of freedom fighter Bhagat Singh and singer Lata Mangeshkar. He paid his respects to Bhagat Singh saying the immortal martyr is an inspiration for every Indian, especially the youth of the country.

Before being hanged for the sake of the country, Bhagat Singh had written a letter to the British asking them to treat his comrades and him as prisoners of war.

Prime Minister said Bhagat Singh wanted their life to be taken away directly with a bullet and not by hanging. Mr Modi called this a testament to his indomitable courage.

Offering tributes to Lata Mangeshkar, Prime Minister Modi noted that her songs stir human emotions and her patriotic songs inspire people greatly. He added that the singer was inspired by Veer Savarkar, whom she called Tatya.

She also lent her voice to many of Veer Savarkar’s songs. Mr Modi remembered lthe egendary figure of Marathi light music Sudhir Phadke, who introduced him to Lata Mangeshkar. He played a snippet of the song “Jyoti Kalash Chhalke,” sung by her and composed by Sudhir Phadke.

Gandhi Jayanti will be observed on the 2nd of October. Prime Minister Modi said Mahatma Gandhi always emphasised on the adoption of Swadeshi, and Khadi was the most prominent among them. He stated that during the last 11 years, the country’s attraction towards Khadi has increased significantly.

Khadi sales have seen a surge in recent years. Mr Modi urged everyone to buy a Khadi product on the 2nd of October and share it on social media with the hashtag – Vocal for Local.

PM Modi expressed happiness that the handloom and handicraft sector is also witnessing significant changes.

Many examples are emerging in the country that show that when tradition and innovation are fused together, amazing results can be achieved.

Prime Minister cited the example of Yaazh Naturals in Tamil Nadu. Ashok Jagdishan and Prem Selvaraj left their corporate jobs and took up a new initiative to make yoga mats from grass and banana fiber, dyed clothes with herbal dyes. They provided employment to 200 families by training them.

PM Modi also mentioned Ashish Satyavrat Sahu of Jharkhand who brought tribal weaving and garments to the global stage through the Johargram brand. He said people in other countries have also become aware of Jharkhand’s cultural heritage due to Mr Sahu’s efforts.

Prime Minister also gave the example of Sweety Kumari from Madhubani district in Bihar.

She started Sankalp Creations and transformed Mithila painting into a means of livelihood for women. Today, over 500 rural women have joined her and are on the path to self-reliance.

PM Modi said all these success stories teach that traditions hold innumerable sources of income.

Prime Minister highlighted that the country will be celebrating Vijayadashami in the coming days. He said this Vijayadashami is special for another reason.

This day marks 100 years of the foundation of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.

PM Modi underlined that this journey of a century is as amazing and unprecedented as it is inspiring.

When the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh was founded 100 years ago, the country had been bound by the chains of slavery for centuries and countrymen were becoming victims of an inferiority complex.

PM Modi remarked that in this context, Dr. KB Hedgewar founded the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh on the auspicious occasion of Vijayadashami in 1925.

He pointed out that the RSS has been relentlessly and tirelessly engaged in national service for over a hundred years.

He added that  RSS volunteers are the first to reach out whenever a natural disaster strikes. He extended his best wishes to every volunteer who is dedicating themselves in service to the nation.

Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti will be observed on the 7th of October. Prime Minister Modi hailed Maharishi Valmiki for introducing people to the Avatar Kathas of Lord Ram by presenting humanity with the epic of the Ramayan.

Prime Minister emphasised that Lord Ram embraced everyone with a spirit of service, harmony and compassion. He opined that the Ram of Maharishi Valmiki’s Ramayan is complete only with Mata Shabari and Nishadraj.

He elaborated that when the Ram temple was erected in Ayodhya, a temple dedicated to Nishadraj and Maharishi Valmiki was also built alongside it. He urged people to visit the Maharishi Valmiki and Nishadraj temples when they go to Ayodhya.

Prime Minister Modi underlined that art, literature, and culture are not confined to any one realm. He highlighted that Centre Mandapa, which is a cultural institute in Paris, has completed 50 years.

This centre has made a significant contribution to popularising Indian dance. It was founded by Milena Salvini, who was awarded the Padma Shri a few years ago. Mr Modi congratulated all those associated with Centre Mandapa.

In this edition of Mann Ki Baat, Prime Minister Modi played audio of Bhupen Hazarika’s iconic song – Manuhe Manuhor Babe, in Sinhala and Tamil. He reminisced that he recently had the privilege of participating in Bhupen Hazarika’s birth centenary celebrations in Assam.

PM Modi also mourned the untimely demise of singer Zubeen Garg of Assam. Zubeen Garg was a renowned singer who made his mark across the country.

Prime Minister said he had a deep connection with Assamese culture and Zubeen Garg’s music will continue to captivate generations to come.

The Prime Minister Modi also paid tributes to philosopher SL Bhyrappa who passed away a few days ago. He said his works will continue to guide the thinking of the younger generation. He added that translations of many of his Kannada works are also available.

Saying that this entire season is a time of festivities in our country, PM Modi extended his wishes to everyone on the upcoming Diwali. He reiterated that the road to making the country self-reliant lies only through buying Swadeshi.