2007年VOA标准英语-Prime Minister Says India Will Not Be Totally I

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has called for the 1.1 billion Indians of all castes and religions to unite to fulfill¹ the goals of those who led India to independence in 1947. VOA's Steve Herman reports from New Delhi on India's independence anniversary.

In a ceremony inside the historic Red Fort in Old Delhi, India marked the 60th anniversary of its independence from Britain.

A chorus of schoolchildren leads a crowd of political leaders, government officials and diplomats² in singing the national anthem³.

Manmohan Singh arrives at The Red Fort in New Delhi, 15 Aug 2007

In a 40-minute address, Mr. Singh lamented⁵ that not all the dreams of Mahatma Gandhi and others who won the struggle to end colonialism have been realized.

Mr. Singh says independence for India will not be complete until poverty is eradicated⁶ in the country.

He called for India to eliminate malnutrition⁷ in five years and vowed⁸ a revolution in education with greater access to new universities and vocational schools.

Mr. Singh announced there would be a massive increase in public spending on education, health care, agriculture and rural development.

He added that industrialization would be the most effective means to expand employment.

Despite a booming economy and a growing middle class, one of every four Indians lives below the poverty line, 40 percent are illiterate⁹ and most do not have adequate health care.

Celebrations in the capital took place under extremely tight security, with roads virtually deserted¹⁰ on the national holiday. Officials say there have been fresh threats against New Delhi from the al-Qaida terrorist network and indigenous¹¹ separatist groups.

The prime minister did not directly mention India's rival Pakistan, although Mr. Singh said that the prosperity and well-being¹² of its neighbors is key to India's security and progress.

When India became independent in August 1947, a separate predominately Muslim state was carved out of the sub-continent. The division prompted a violent migration¹³ of millions of Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs.

Pakistan celebrated¹⁴ its independence on Tuesday.

Mr. Singh on Tuesday received a telephone call from President Bush to extend best wishes for the independence anniversary.

The government says the two leaders discussed a variety of topics, including civil nuclear cooperation, under a recent agreement that would allow India to use American nuclear fuel for civilian¹⁵ facilities.