In his address to the nation on the eve of the 53rd anniversay of Independence, President Narayanan said that in spite of the impressive catalogue of achievements, India was still plagued by poverty, ignorance, disease and superstition.

"The common man and woman have nursed the lingering feeling that they have yet to taste the fruits of independence," President Narayanan said.

India's second struggle began for economic independence and social transformation soon after 1947 which is "more arduous and prolonged than the first one". Despite the acheivements in the fields of science and technology and the enviable industrial growth, he said that conditions of the society after Independence, especially the new affluence of the privileged classes, have given rise to certain evil fruits.

"The precious heritage of tolerance of different faiths and ideologies, which has been the cementing force in our complex pluralistic society is showing signs of breaking down and a new intolerance, resulting often in violence, is manifesting itself in our society."

Nonetheless, in a word of praise to the efforts of Indian scientists and technolgists, the President said India had attained new heights in the pursuit of space sciences mastering satellite technologies, and launch capabilities.

"In information technology, India has made a leap forward, especially in software, and we are looked upon as an emerging IT super-power. Indian science today inspires confidence."

Even so, pointing to the declining plight of women in Indian society, and the unholy alliance between politicians, criminals and important people, President Narayanan warned of dark clouds of doubts hovering all around.

"Law enforcing agencies remain indifferent or ineffective, and the law itself remains awfully inadequate. In fact, statistics show that crimes against women have been on the increase. No place is safe for them, not even their own homes."