Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday addressed the nation through his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat. It was the 49th edition of the programme.

In today’s edition of Mann ki Baat, PM Modi stressed on the need to work “unitedly” to address issues like terrorism, climate change, economic development and social justice.

In his address to the country, the prime minister paid tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and also praised the para-athletes, who had represented India in the Asian Para Games recently and said that their spirit to overcome challenges is inspirational.

Here are the highlights from PM Modi’s Mann Ki Baat:

• The Prime Minister began the Mann ki Baat address with tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Referring to the ‘statue of unity’, the PM said that Indians will be able to feel proud at the world’s largest statue being built in India. PM Modi also appealed for people to participate in the ‘Run for Unity’ organised on October 31 to mark Patel’s birth anniversary.
• “Development of the poorest of the poor is the real indicator of peace,” Modi said, adding that wherever there will be a talk of world peace, India’s name and contribution will be written in golden letters.
• “This year 11 November holds special significance as the day when World War-I ended 100 years ago. Our soldiers fought with valour and sacrificed their lives. They showed the world that they are second to none when it comes to war,” the PM said.
• The Prime Minister said although India had no direct connection with the First World War but it was an important event because Indian soldiers fought bravely and played a very big role by sacrificing their lives.
• “Indian soldiers showed it to the world that they are second to none if it comes to war. Our soldiers have displayed great valour in difficult areas and adverse conditions. There has just been a single objective behind it- Restoration of peace. The world witnessed a dance of death and devastation during the World War I.
• “Around one crore soldiers and almost the same number of civilians lost their lives. This made the whole world realize and understand the importance of peace. The definition of peace has changed in the last hundred years. Today, peace does not only mean ‘no war’,” he added.
• Talking about the northeast India’s initiatives in the field of organic farming, the PM said, “The northeast has immense natural beauty and the people here are extremely talented. This is one region, where organic farming has made progress. A few days earlier, Sikkim won the prestigious Future Policy Gold Award 2018, for promoting sustainable food system in the state. This award is given by Food and Agriculture Organisation, which comes the UN.”