India celebrates 61 Independence Day: PM urges 'Unite not Divide'

India celebrated its 61st Independence Day as Prime Minister Manmohan Singh unfurled the national flag and addressed the nation from the ramparts of the magnificent Red Fort.

On 15 August 1947, it was a birth of a new nation and a new beginning. After more than two hundred years of British rule, India became independent and it was the start of the world's biggest democracy.

Amidst high security, the Prime Minister addressed the nation from the capital, and said his goal is to create an India that would be equal to all.

"Today we remember the sacrifice of those under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi and the hard work and dedication of all those who toiled to build a free and modern India. It is our desire to build an India that is just and humane," he said.

He further urged political parties to come together to resolve issues related to the unabated communal violence between Muslims and Hindus in Kashmir, the religious intolerance that complicate issues like the present Amarnath crisis, and terrorism that has spread fear among people.

He reiterated and warned that dividing people in the name of religion could threaten the country's unity and integrity.

India's first woman president, Prathibha Patil in her address said, “Whatever the problem, whatever the cause, whatever the reason, there is no place for violence in our society. There is no issue that does not lend itself to dialogue and reconciliation."

She appealed to maintain calm in all parts of the country and said: "great nations are built with the contributions and hard work of one and all. On the other hand, violence in any form undermines its progress."

Greeting India on this special day, American President George W Bush, said the occasion reminds America of its close ties with India and the contributions of Indian Americans in America's progress.

"On this day they achieved their goal, gained their independence and became a democratic nation under the great Mahatma Gandhi. This accomplishment demonstrates that though freedom can be delayed, it cannot be denied," he added.

The Indian government on this occasion brought cheers to lakhs of government employees and armed forces announcing the recommendations of the Sixth Pay Commission in increasing their emoluments.

Affirmative of the government's decision to pursue the Indo–US nuclear deal, the Prime Minister said the agreement would end India's nuclear isolation and open up new pathways for industrialisation of the country.

For the first time, India had four years of nearly nine per cent economic growth. However, the rise in prices with inflation touching 12.44 percent for the week has also worried the government.

Pointing out that in many developing countries inflation is double of the rate of price rise in India, Singh said the government has taken special measures to "insulate the poorer sections of society from the full impact of rising food and fuel prices."

He even underlined the importance of combating poverty and unemployment, which is on rise in the country.

Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC) president Dr. Sajan George, in a statement wished the country and said “Unity in Diversity was the Vision of our great Secular Motherland. It is this unity that gave us our Independence. This was the dream of our founding fathers. This was the vision of our Constitution.”

"With the dawn of Independence we pledged to be a nation based on the
Principle of Truth and Justice, 'Satya Meva Jayate – Truth alone triumphs'."

Lamenting over the December 2007 Kandhamal violence against Christians by Hindutva extremists, GCIC said, "Independent India affirmed that India belongs to all, and all belong to India. Sadly this is far from the Truth."

Apart from flag hoisting ceremonies country wide, schools and colleges will organize various cultural activities within their respective premises on this day.