The following is the text of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s Independence Day speech from the ramparts of the Red Fort here Monday:

“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.”

Read the full speech….