India celebrated its 66th independence day today. Here in Bhutan, the Indian Community in the country gathered at the Indian Embassy in Thimphu to mark the day.
The celebration began with the hoisting of the Indian national flag. The Indian ambassador to Bhutan, Pavan K Varma, then read out the Indian president’s message for the day.
In his address to the nation, President Pranab Mukherjee, said the day is an occasion to pay homage and respect to the freedom fighters. The President stated that India is in need of a second freedom struggle. And this time the struggle, he said would be to free India from hunger, disease and poverty.
“Two decades of steady economic reforms have contributed to improvement in average income and consumption level in both rural and urban areas. There is a new found dynamism in some of the most backward areas bringing them into national economic mainstream. Yet there are several gaps that need to be bridged,” said Pranab Mukherjee. He added that green revolution has to be extended to the eastern region of the country. Creation of high quality infrastructure has to be fast tracked. Education and health services have to reach the last man at the earliest. “Much has been done, a lot more remains to be done.” 
The President stressed the need to conserve environment and combat corruption. President also expressed concerns about large areas of the country being affected by flood and drought and described the rising inflation especially food inflation as a cause of worry.
Talking about the recent ethnic violence in Assam, the President said minority groups in India need solace, understanding and protection from aggression. He added concrete steps have been taken to heal the wounds of Assam.
Following the speech, the Gyalpo Zimpon, Dasho Penjor, offered Tashi khaddar to the Indian ambassador on behalf of the Bhutanese government and the people.
Also present at the function were the cabinet secretary, foreign secretary and other foreign ministry officials.
