India celebrates 63 years of Independence

As a custom on the Independence Day Prime Minister Manmohan Singh addressed the Indian population at the Red Fort in Delhi.

The Prime Minister greeted people the crowd as well as the millions watching through their TV sets by saying, “Dear citizens, I greet you on the 63rd anniversary of our independence. When Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru unfurled the Tricolour on this historic Red Fort, on 15th August, 1947, he called himself the first servant of India. I address you today in the same spirit of service.”

The Prime Minister also addressed in his speech, the key issues such as poverty, Naxal violence and the importance of Commonwealth Games for the country.

The Red Fort was a witness to the traditional flag hoisting ceremony and PM's address at the completion of 63 years of India's independence.

The Prime Minister arrived at the 17th century Mughal monument in his motorcade and was received by Defence Minister A K Antony, Minister of State for Defence M M Pallam Raju and three Service Chiefs at the Lahore Gate.

Sare Jahan se Achha, the famous line of Mohd Iqbal, reverberated the air during the Independence Day celebrations as over 3,000 school children, dressed in saffron, white and green, welcomed the Prime Minister with loud cheers and applause.

Last year, there was heavy downpour during the Independence Day celebrations. However the weather appeared relenting, with no showers, and an overcast sky sparing the visitors the intense heat of the sun.

As the tricolour opened majestically, the cannons boomed and the sound of 21 guns. The Prime Minister began his speech condoling the loss of lives in the Leh landslide tragedy, to which some children clapped, making the scene awkward for the teachers manning them.

Even as humidity acted as an irritant, the Prime Minister did not fail to mention key issues surrounding the Government such as price rise, relations with Pakistan and the upcoming Commonwealth Games.

Other eminent personalities including Sonia Gandhi were also present at the event.

The Prime Minister also mentioned the fact that the difficulties such as drought and recession which were a part of his speech at last year's Independence Day had been overcome by the country and emphasized on the fact that the India has gained respect from all over the world.

The Prime Minister concluded his speech on a positive note by talking about the bright future that lies ahead. Finally he ended by the chants of ‘Jai Hind' to end things on a motivated and patriotic note.

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