In his last 'Mann ki Baat' before the country goes to the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday paid tributes to the CRPF soldiers martyred in the Pulwama terror attack.

Exuding confidence that he would return to power in the upcoming election, PM Modi announced that the next episode will now be broadcast on the last Sunday of May.

In his address on Sunday, Modi stressed that the martyrdom of 40 CRPF soldiers, killed in Pulwama terror attack, will "fortify our resolve" in our fight against terror and "keep inspiring us relentlessly" to uproot the very base of terrorism.

"Our armed forces have consistently displayed unparalleled courage and valour. On the one hand, they have displayed exemplary capabilities in restoring peace; on the other, they have retaliated in equal measure, in a language the attackers understand," the Prime Minister said.

PM Modi said that the final journeys of those martyred in the attack and the fortitude of their families inspired all countrymen. "I respectfully bow to all the brave sons of the country, who laid down their lives, protecting the honour of the motherland," he said.

Referring to the killing of Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorist Abdul Rasheed Ghazi, who masterminded the Pulwama attacks, Modi said, "You must have seen how within a hundred hours of the attack, retributive action was accomplished. The Army has resolved to wipe out terrorists and their harbourers."

On Monday, PM Modi will dedicate the National War Memorial — constructed in the heart of Delhi, in close vicinity of the Amar Jawan Jyoti — to the Armed Forces. "I do believe that for our countrymen, a visit to the National War Memorial will be akin to a pilgrimage to a holy place," the Prime Minister said.

During his address, the PM also paid tributes to Birsa Munda, a hero of the tribals and freedom fighter, pioneering industrialist Jamsetji Tata and former PM Morarji Desai.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE RADIO ADDRESS

• Stressed the martyrdom of 40 CRPF soldiers killed in Pulwama terror attack will “fortify resolve” in our fight against terror.   
• Recalled Desai’s leadership in bringing about 44th constitutional amendment that restored SC’s powers to undo the excesses of the Emergency.   
• Referred to the humble origins of the latest group of Padma awardees; noted that 12 of them were farmers.