Modi Praises RSS’ Service, Discipline
Says ‘nation first’ guides its volunteers in Mann Ki Baat
By : Deccan Chronicle
Update: 2025-09-28 07:00 GMT
New Delhi: Days before the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) marks its 100th anniversary, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday lauded its “selfless service and discipline,” saying that the spirit of “nation first” guides every action of its volunteers.
In the 126th episode of his monthly radio broadcast Mann Ki Baat, the Prime Minister also announced that the government is working to secure Unesco recognition for the Chhath festival as part of the world’s Intangible Cultural Heritage, describing it as a “global festival” celebrated far beyond India.
Calling the RSS’s century-long journey “amazing, unprecedented, and inspiring,” Modi praised founder K.B. Hedgewar and his successor M.S. Golwalkar, saying their teachings embodied sacrifice, service, and discipline. “Whenever a natural disaster strikes, RSS volunteers are among the first to reach the spot. This spirit of service is the Sangh’s true strength,” he said.
Referring to cultural preservation, the Prime Minister recalled that Kolkata’s Durga Puja was recently added to Unesco’s heritage list and expressed hope that Chhath Mahaparva would soon join it. He said global recognition of Indian festivals would invite the world to “know, understand, and participate” in them.
During the broadcast, Modi also paid tributes to freedom fighter Bhagat Singh and legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar on their birth anniversaries. He recalled his personal bond with Lata, noting she tied him a Rakhi every year. He highlighted her patriotic songs, deep cultural roots, and inspiration from Veer Savarkar.
The Prime Minister also urged people to buy Khadi and swadeshi goods this festive season, stressing that “vocal for local” shopping supports artisans and entrepreneurs.
He further interacted with women naval officers Lieutenant Commanders Dilna and Roopa, who circumnavigated the globe in the Navika Sagar Parikrama, praising their courage as a reflection of women’s growing achievements.
Ahead of Valmiki Jayanti on October 7, Modi urged devotees visiting the Ram temple in Ayodhya to also visit temples of Nishadraj and Maharishi Valmiki. He paid tribute to Assamese singer Zubeen Garg, whose death triggered unprecedented mourning, and noted Kannada author S.L. Bhyrappa’s literary contributions.