New Delhi, August 20 (KCNA) -- Addressing the Indian nation on the eve of the 65th Independence Day, India's President Mrs. Pratibha Devisingh Patil on Sunday evening emphasized on elimination of corruption.

"Corruption is a cancer affecting our nation's political, economic, cultural and social life. It is necessary to eliminate it," said Patil in a televised address.

"We need strong institutions and we need good governance in the country. Our institutions need to be fortified and our governance constantly improved," she added.