NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday used his Mann Ki Baat address to speak about the upcoming 100 years of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), encourage people to buy Khadi on Gandhi Jayanti, and share that the government is working to get Chhath Puja recognised by UNESCO.In his 125th broadcast, PM Modi praised the RSS for its service to society. “The spirit of selfless service and lesson of discipline, these are the true strengths of the Sangh,” he said. He remembered RSS founder KB Hedgewar and Guru Golwalkar, saying they worked to build the spirit of nation service. He added that RSS volunteers are always among the first to help during natural disasters.

Speaking on festivals, PM Modi said Chhath Puja reflects India’s culture and traditions. He said the government is trying to include the festival in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List. “When this will happen, people in various corners of the world will be able to experience the festival’s grandeur divinity,” he said. Kolkata’s Durga Puja has already been added to the list.PM Modi also urged people to support Swadeshi by buying Khadi items on October 2. “Say with pride, this is swadeshi,” he said, adding that Khadi sales have grown strongly in the past 11 years.The prime minister also spoke to two women navy officers, lieutenant commander Dilna and lieutenant commander Roopa, who took part in the Navika Sagar Parikrama. He paid tribute to Bhagat Singh and singer Lata Mangeshkar on their birth anniversaries, saying they continue to inspire Indians.