Lucknow, Aug 15 (IANS): Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav led the state in celebrating India's 69th Independence Day on Saturday.

In his address, after unfurling the national flag at the Vidhan Sabha, Yadav said that the nation was marching ahead on the path of prosperity and the state had a rich contribution to this.

He listed the achievements of his government, highlighting the work done in the health and education sector. He said that they was working hard to improve the infrastructure in the state.

Yadav also mentioned the various schemes and programmes implemented -- the Samajwadi pension scheme, free laptops for students, free irrigation for farmers, free medicine and pathological tests at government hospitals -- for the welfare of all sections of society.

Many ministers, legislators, officials and party leaders were present at the flag-hoisting ceremony.

He also referred to former president of India A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, who died on July 27 and said the country should remember him along with Mahatma Gandhi.

Samajwadi Party supremo Mulayam Singh hoisted the flag at the party office and Governor Ram Naik unfurled the national tri-colour at Raj Bhavan. Independence Day was also celebrated at schools, government departments and other institutes.