Addressing students of IIT Bombay here, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today recalled his humble beginnings and the struggles.
"When I look back at my own life, I feel humbled, looking at the distance my own generation has travelled," he said.
"I studied in the light of a kerosene lamp, in a dusty village that had no power, no doctor, no school or college. I used to walk miles to go to the school," Singh said, delivering the `Golden Jubilee Convocation' address at IIT.
In all these matters, there has been an enormous improvement in the 65 years since Independence, he said.
"The progress that has been registered has often fallen short of the expectations of our people, particularly the young people," the Prime Minister conceded.
Published 18 August 2012, 15:16 IST