Ahead of RSS’ centenary celebrations, PM Modi lauds its values in ‘Mann ki Baat’

Ahead of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’ (RSS’) centenary celebrations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday lauded the organisation’s values of keeping the “Nation First”. He said this during the 126th episode of ‘Mann ki Baat’ programme.

When the RSS was founded 100 years ago, the country had been bound by the chains of slavery for centuries. He credited RSS founder KB Hedgewar and his successor Guru Golwalkar for laying the foundation of an organisation that was committed to national service.

“This spirit of sacrifice, service and discipline that 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. That is why, we see, whenever a natural disaster strikes anywhere in the country, RSS volunteers are the first to reach there,” he said.

Earlier during the beginning of his address, he paid tributes to freedom fighter Bhagat Singh and later singer Lata Mangeshkar.

“The immortal martyr Bhagat Singh is an inspiration for every Indian, especially the youth of the country. Fearlessness was deeply ingrained in his nature,” said the PM.

Paying tribute to Mangeshkar, Modi said anyone interested in the Indian culture and music could not help, but be moved by Mangeshkar’s songs. “Her songs comprise everything that stirs human emotions. The patriotic songs she sang inspired people greatly. She also had a deep connection with the Indian culture,” he added.

The Prime Minister noted that Mahatma Gandhi always emphasised the adoption of ‘Swadeshi’ goods, among which khadi was the most prominent.

“Unfortunately, after Independence, the charm of Khadi started fading away. However, during the last 11 years, the country’s attraction towards Khadi has increased significantly. Khadi sales have seen a surge in recent years,” he said, urging people to buy a Khadi product on October 2.

Speaking about the ongoing festive season, the Prime Minister also spoke about the ‘GST Bachat Utsav’, referring to the GST rate cuts implemented on September 22.

“You can make your festivals even more special by taking a resolve. If you decide to celebrate festivals with only Swadeshi products, you will see the joy of your celebrations rise manifold,” he added.

Modi also interacted with Indian Navy officers Lt Commander K Dilna and Lt Commander Roopa Alagirisamy, who recently made history by becoming the first Indian women to circumnavigate the globe in a double-handed sailing vessel.

PM Modi also spoke about the ‘Chhath Puja, saying that the Centre was striving to include the ‘Chhath Mahaparva’ in the UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List.

He said, “Chhath Puja is a sacred festival that comes after Diwali. This grand festival dedicated to Sun is very special. The Government of India is striving to include the Chhath Mahaparva in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List.” “Once it is included in the UNESCO list, people in every corner of the world will be able to experience its grandeur and divinity,” he added.