PM addresses the Nation, as India celebrate 61st Independence Day

Happy Independence Day! India turns 61 today. A proud nation celebrates its 61st Independence Day with much fanfare. Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh unfurled the tri-colour on historic Lal Quilla (Red Fort). He later addressed the nation from the rampart of Red Fort. The PM emphasized on growth and development while listing the achievements of his government during the last four years. "I have no promises to make, only to keep", said the Prime Minister.

Among other announcements made by PM Dr. Manmohan Singh, the most significant was the impending launch of Moon Mission. "This year we hope to send an Indian spacecraft, Chandrayaan, to the moon," Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said. The spacecraft, which will move around the Moon for two years is expected to be launched in October 2008.

The Prime Minister expressed concerns over the growth of terrorism in the country and stressed on the need of a proper mechanism to deal with the terror. Dr. Manmohan Singh also expressed concerns over the violence in Jammu & Kashmir and said divisive politics won't take the country anywhere. The PM admitted that rising inflation is a concern, but said it was imported due to global economic slowdown. He defended the Indo-US nuclear deal, saying it would save India's energy needs.