Freedom-fighter laments India's condition

Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh, Aug 14 (UNI) Expressing concern over India's present condition, Chhattisgarh-resident freedom-fighter Kanhaiya Lal Agrawal feels that celebrating Independence Day is just a formality.

''It seems that the objectives which people kept in mind while fighting for freedom have no meaning today. It is sad that the sole target of today's leaders is to cling on to power by any means,'' he told UNI on the eve of the country's 62nd Independence Day.

The leaders of the bygone era were people of character who never resorted to improper means for satisfying selfish motives, Mr Agrawal said while adding that the nation needed a leadership that could inspire the spirit of renunciation in youth.

''The disappointment of youth lies at the root of naxalism and terrorism. Young minds are rebellious. People are no longer safe.

Only a minority of the population is rich enough to have access to comfort. People are angry with the government and the system,'' he said.

UNI XC-AC NC BST1846