Indian PM’s speech opens debate: 65 or 66 years of independence?

The battle lines have been drawn, as an age-old debate rears its head once again this August 15 as India celebrates 66 years of independence.
Or is it 65 years?
Even media outlets across the world are divided, using either number to mark India’s Independence Day, Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh addressed the nation today, saying: “The journey we began on 15 August, 1947 is now 65-years-old. We have achieved much in these 65 years.”
The Ambassador of India to the UAE, Lokesh MK, confirmed via text message when quizzed, simply writing back: “66!”
Indian President Pranab Mukherjee in his televised address stated: “Fellow citizens, it is a privilege to address you for the first time in Indian and those in the 100 corners of the globe, on this 65th anniversary of India’s Independence.”
Emirates 24|7 reader Mukesh Tiwari says: “Of course it’s 66 years of Indian Independence. We have entered the 66th year, so that’s how you call it.”
Tiwari finds support in Dubai resident Akaash Tripathi, who said: “We calculate according to the Indian calendar, which always calls the year you have run into.”