Pranab Mukherjee greets nation on Independence Day

Former President of India Pranab Mukherjee on Wednesday conveyed his wishes to the citizens on the occasion of 72nd Independence Day.

"My good wishes to fellow citizens in India & abroad on the occasion of India's Independence Day. Let us join together to pay tributes to the freedom fighters and respect to martyrs who laid down their lives for a free India," the former President wrote on his Twitter handle.

He also pointed out how from "a devastated colonial economy", India has reached where it stands today.

Highlighting some of the pressing issues that have rattled India since its Independence, the former Indian president said, "The task of nation-building will not be complete till we free every Indian from the constraints of illiteracy, hunger, poverty & disease. Let us pledge all our selves for this task. Jai Hind!"

On this day, every year, India celebrates its freedom from the British colonial rule in 1947. The historic event is celebrated on this day through religious ceremonies, parades, official government functions and a speech from the Prime Minister.