Full Text of PM Manmohan Singh's Independence Day speech

New Delhi, Aug 15: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh hoisted the flag at Red Fort during India's 64th Independence Day on Monday, Aug 15. During his 40-minutes speech, Manmohan Singh, who became the third PM of India to unfurl the tri-colour flag for the eight consecutive year at Red Fort, promised a strong Lokpal Bill to address the growing corruption in the country.

"we have recently introduced a Bill in Parliament to achieve this. Now only Parliament can decide what type of Lokpal legislation should be enacted," Manmohan Singh said.

During the speech, Prime Minister variety of subjects including the sensitive land acquisition issue, naxalism, terrorism, economy and inflation which he termed as "obstacles" for country's development and progress.

Manmohan Singh also said that his government has no magic wand to deal with the corruption and he urged all political parties to "stand shoulder to shoulder" to fight against corruption. Just a day before Anna Hazare starts his indefinite hunger strike, PM noted that hunger stikes will not end corruption and only Parliament can decide what type of Lokpal legislation can be enacted.

Here is the full text of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's speech at Red Fort:

My dear countrymen, I heartily greet 120 crore Indians on the 64th anniversary of our independence.

I have been addressing you from the historic Red Fort for the last seven years. In these seven years, our country has achieved much. During this period, we have travelled rapidly on the path of development and have seen success in many areas.

However, I am also well aware that a lot remains to be done.We have to banish poverty and illiteracy from our country.We have to provide the common man with access to improved health services. We have to provide employment opportunities to each one of our youth. The road ahead is long and arduous.

Particularly, the prevailing situation both inside and outside the country is such that if we do not act with understanding and restraint, our security and prosperity can get adversely affected.

The world economy is slowing down. The developed countries especially America and countries of Western Europe are facing economic problems.There is unrest in many Arab countries of the Middle East.

There are some people who want to create disturbances in the country so that our progress gets stalled. All this can have a negative impact on us. But we will not let this happen. I know that if we work together, we can face any challenge.

However, it is necessary that we rise above personal or political interests and build consensus on issues of vital national importance.

Brothers and sisters, We are building the edifice of modern India on the foundation of the hard work and sacrifices of our soldiers, our farmers and our workers. We will not let their hard work and sacrifices go waste.

We will convert the dreams of our freedom fighters into reality.

Brothers and sisters, In the last seven years, our government has strived for political stability and social and economic progress. We have established an environment of communal harmony in the country. (continued..)

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