'Those who consider corruption a birthright…': in 1997 Independence Day speech, PM Gujral's appeal

As India prepares to celebrate Independence Day, Hindustan Times revisits I. K. Gujral's Independence Day address from the Red Fort in 1997.

As India prepares to celebrate Independence Day, Hindustan Times continues its special series revisiting some of the most iconic Independence Day speeches delivered by the country's Prime Ministers. In the eleventh episode, we revisit Prime Minister I. K. Gujral's Independence Day address from the Red Fort in 1997.

We revisit Prime Minister I. K. Gujral's Independence Day address from the Red Fort in 1997.

Delivered during India's 50th year of freedom, Gujral's speech reflected on India's democratic journey while focusing on national unity, economic development, social justice and the fight against corruption. He paid tribute to the freedom fighters and stressed that the true meaning of independence lay in improving the lives of ordinary citizens.