New Delhi, May 27: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation on Sunday via the 44th edition of his monthly radio programme - Mann Ki Baat. The PM divulged upon a range of issues including plastic pollution, health hazards and role of women in society, apart from paying tributes to first prime minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru on his death anniversary, and recalling the valour of freedom fighter Veer Savarkar. Here are the key highlights from the radio address:

PM Red-Flags Plastic Pollution: On the occasion of World Environment Day, the Prime Minister said he is committed towards achieving an India which is totally "swacch". Modi described 'plastic pollution' as the toughest environmental challenge before the mankind. "Plastic erodes the nature like no other substance. Its impact is felt for generations," Modi said, adding that world should look for alternatives so "live in harmony with nature".

Lauds Women-Navy Team Which Circumnavigated the World: "I would like to congratulate the six daughters of India (6-member all women team of Navy) who sailed 22,000 nautical miles in 254 days to circumnavigate the globe," Modi said. The team had used the indigenously designed INSV Tarini.

Lauds BSF Contingent For Bringing Down Plastics From Mt Everest: "I laud 5 tribal students from Chandrapur, Maharashtra, Ajeet and Deeya Bajaj, Sangeeta Bahl and a BSF contingent for scaling the Mount Everest. The BSF contingent also brought back dirt that had accumulated in the mountains," the PM said. The contingent, which returned back earlier in the month, drew applause for bringing back the waste items and plastic left behind by mountaineers on the highest peak of the world.

Prays Tribute to Nehru: PM Modi paid tributes to Nehru on his 54th death anniversary. "I pay my salute to Pandit ji, the first prime minister of India," he said.

Recalls Savarkar's Valour: The Prime Minister, however, elaborated upon the determination and valour exhibited by Veer Savarkar in the independence movement. Modi credited him for removing the stigma imposed by the British on the 1857 uprising. "Until Savarkar ji began writing, the 1857 uprising was referred to as merely a revolt. But Savarkar ji minced no words while describing it as the 'first war of independence'," Modi added. Savarkar's birth anniversary falls tomorrow, May 28.

The Mann Ki Baat radio show was launched by the Prime Minister in October 2014. The 44th edition also coincided with the completion of four years of the BJP-led NDA government in power.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 27, 2018 11:54 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).