Though the nation is celebrating 64th Independence Day, the country has not achieved substantial progress in eradicating poverty and backwardness, stated Telugu Desam Party president N Chandrababu Naidu, on Sunday.
Addressing the gathering after unfurling the tricolour to mark Independence Day celebrations, at NTR Trust Bhavan, on Sunday, Naidu expressed concern over the plight of poor people, and said that the benefits of freedom have not reached them even after more than 6 decades.
"The country has not achieved freedom from poverty, backwardness and untouchability," he pointed out. He called upon all party leaders and workers to strive to ensure that the benefits of freedom reach all people equally.
The TDP president said the party would take inspiration from the Architect of the Indian Constitution Dr. B R Ambedkar, and work towards taking the fruits of freedom to all people.
Naidu said that corruption was rampant at the Centre and in the state. He urged the governments to check corruption at all levels.
On the occasion, he launched the photo exhibition of freedom fighters at NTR Trust Bhavan, and recalled the services of freedom fighters.
Noted film star and NTR Trust Chairman N Balakrishna also hoisted the national flag at Basavatarakam Cancer Hospital.
Garlanding the statues of NTR and Basavatarakam on the premises of the hospital, he promised to extend the services of the Basavatarakam Trust to poor people across the state.