Overview

• In the 126th Mann Ki Baat, the prime minister said the Sangh’s true strengths are selfless service and discipline, with “Nation First” guiding volunteers’ work.
• He urged citizens to adopt a swadeshi shopping mantra for the festive season and to buy Khadi on October 2, citing a sustained rise in sales.
• Modi announced that the government is working to include Chhath Puja on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list, noting the earlier listing of Kolkata’s Durga Puja.
• He spoke with Indian Navy officers Lieutenant Commander Dilna and Lieutenant Commander Roopa about their Navika Sagar Parikrama circumnavigation and highlighted women’s achievements.
• A day earlier in Nagpur, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat released a new 'Sangh Prarthana' audio recorded with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and sung by Shankar Mahadevan, part of the centenary year running from Vijayadashami 2025 to Vijayadashami 2026.