SRINAGAR, Aug. 15 -- Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today hoisted the National Flag at the 80th Independence Day function at Bakhshi Stadium, Srinagar, and took the salute at the ceremonial parade and march-past.

Opening his speech with the famous patriotic verse, "Sare Jahan Se Achha, Hindustan Hamara; Hum Bulbulein Hain Iski, Yeh Gulistan Hamara," the Chief Minister said the words beautifully capture the love, pride and emotional bond that people share with their country. He said Independence Day was an occasion to reflect on whether the India envisioned by those who made the supreme sacrifice had been fully realizedand, if not, what more needed to be done.

"Today is a day of joy, a day of remembrance and a day of gratitude," he said, p...