Mann Ki Baat: PM Modi vows to give Chhath global identity, urges Swadeshi on Gandhi Jayanti
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation on Sunday through the 126th episode of his monthly radio program "Mann Ki Baat." During the address, he pledged to include India's famous Chhath festival on the UNESCO list and called for the adoption of Khadi and indigenous products on Gandhi Jayanti. He also praised the valor of women power and inspiring stories of a self-reliant India.
PM Modi expressed happiness that the Indian government is now making efforts to include Chhath Mahaparva in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List. He said, "When Chhath Puja gets a place in the UNESCO list, people in every corner of the world will be able to experience its grandeur and divinity." The PM recalled that similar efforts by the government had recently led to Durga Puja in Kolkata receiving this global honour. He said that Chhath is now becoming not only a national festival but also a global festival.
The Prime Minister remembered 'Nightingale of India' Lata Mangeshkar on her birth anniversary, paying a heartfelt tribute to her. He said that Lata Didi's patriotic songs still inspire and she never forgot to send him a Rakhi every year. Referring to Gandhi Jayanti on October 2nd, he urged the countrymen to adopt 'Swadeshi' and Khadi. He said, "There has been an unprecedented increase in the sale of Khadi in the last 11 years. I appeal to all of you to buy some Khadi product on October 2nd and proudly share it on social media with #VocalforLocal."
PM Modi praised the indomitable courage displayed by two Indian Navy women officers, Lieutenant Commander Dilna and Lieutenant Commander Roopa, during the "Navika Sagar Parikrama." He also shared stories of entrepreneurs from across the country who are blending tradition and innovation to write a new saga of self-reliant India.
He described how Ashok Jagadeesan and Prem Selvaraj quit their corporate jobs to create yoga mats from banana fiber, providing employment to 200 families. Ashish Satyavrat Sahu has brought tribal textiles to the global stage through the Johargram brand, and Sweety Kumari from Madhubani has empowered over 500 rural women with self-reliance through Mithila painting.