Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat in New Delhi as India marked its 80th Independence Day. Modi also greeted the nation and remembered the freedom fighters whose sacrifices helped end British colonial rule.
Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister said the dreams of India's freedom fighters continue to inspire the country as it works towards the goal of Viksit Bharat. He also called for India's development journey to move at a faster pace.
"Warm greetings on the occasion of Independence Day. We remember with gratitude the countless freedom fighters whose courage, sacrifice and unwavering commitment ensured the end of colonial rule. Their dreams continue to inspire us as we work together to build a Viksit Bharat. Powered by 140 crore Indians, our nation is scaling new heights of progress across different sectors. May this journey keep progressing at an even greater pace in the times to come", Modi said in a post on X.
India became independent from British colonial rule on August 15, 1947.
Modi will lead the 80th Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort in Delhi on Saturday. This year's celebrations will mark 150 years of the National Song 'Vande Mataram' and highlight the role of 'Yuva Shakti' in India's journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047.
For the first time, 'Vande Mataram' will be rendered as part of the Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort.
According to a press release, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth and Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh will receive the Prime Minister at the Red Fort.
Modi will then receive a Guard of Honour comprising personnel from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Delhi Police before proceeding to the ramparts to hoist the National Flag. Captain Sonia Singh Chauhan will assist the Prime Minister in hoisting the Tricolour.
The flag hoisting will take place along with a 21-gun salute by the 1721 Field Battery (Ceremonial), using indigenous 105 mm Light Field Guns, according to the press release.
After the flag hoisting, the National Flag Guard, comprising personnel from the three armed forces and Delhi Police, will present the Rashtriya Salute.
The Army band will play 'Vande Mataram', which will be sung by those present at the Red Fort. The National Anthem will follow.
Two Mi-17 helicopters of the Indian Air Force will shower flower petals over the venue. One will carry the National Flag, while the other will carry a flag depicting 'Vande Mataram'.
Modi will then address the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort. It will be his 13th consecutive Independence Day address from the venue.
After the Prime Minister's speech, NCC cadets and 'My Bharat' volunteers will sing 'Vande Mataram', followed by the National Anthem.
Around 2,500 boy and girl cadets from the Army, Navy and Air Force, along with 'My Bharat' volunteers, will take part in the celebrations. They will sit on Gyanpath and form the words 'Vande Mataram'. Displays carrying the theme 'Viksit Bharat@2047' will also be installed there.
Around 5,000 special guests from different sections of society have been invited to the event. They include women entrepreneurs, sanitation workers, street vendors, youth innovators, scientists, start-up founders, artisans, farmers, students and beneficiaries of government schemes.
More than 1,500 people from States and Union Territories, dressed in traditional attire, will also attend the Independence Day ceremony.
