New Delhi, August 15: Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the nation in celebrating India’s 78th Independence Day at the historic Red Fort in Delhi. The event, marked by patriotic fervor, saw the Prime Minister unfurl the National Flag and deliver his customary address to the nation from the ramparts of the iconic monument.

The theme for this year’s Independence Day celebration, ‘Viksit Bharat @ 2047’, highlighted the government’s vision of transforming India into a developed nation by its centenary of independence. The celebrations served as a platform to galvanize efforts toward this ambitious goal, with an official statement emphasizing the renewed push towards a prosperous and peaceful future for the country.

A Diverse Gathering of Special Guests

In an effort to increase public participation, or “Jan Bhagidari,” the government invited around 6,000 special guests to witness the celebrations at Red Fort. These guests represented a cross-section of Indian society, including youth, tribal communities, farmers, and women who have excelled in various fields through government initiatives.

Notable attendees included students benefiting from the Atal Innovation Mission and PM SHRI (Prime Minister’s Schools for Rising India) scheme, as well as volunteers from Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat) and the National Service Scheme under the ‘Meri Maati Mera Desh’ campaign. Tribal artisans, Van Dhan Vikas Members, and beneficiaries of key schemes like Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi and Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana were also present.

The event also saw participation from Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) workers, Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANM), Anganwadi workers, and elected women representatives. These guests, along with sarpanches from Gram Panchayats that have achieved saturation in priority sector schemes, underscored the grassroots involvement in this national celebration.

Honoring the Defenders and Achievers

The celebrations paid tribute to the nation’s defenders and achievers, including the Indian contingent that participated in the recently-concluded Paris Olympics. Workers from the Border Roads Organisation, students from the PRERANA School programme, and representatives from the Aspirational Blocks Programme were among those honored at the event.

Upon his arrival at Red Fort, Prime Minister Modi was received by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, and Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane. The Prime Minister was then conducted to the Saluting Base, where a combined Inter-Services and Delhi Police Guard presented a general salute, followed by an inspection of the Guard of Honour.

This year, the Indian Navy coordinated the Guard of Honour, commanded by Commander Arun Kumar Mehta, with contingents from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Delhi Police participating. The Prime Minister then proceeded to the ramparts, where he was greeted by senior defense officials before unfurling the National Flag.

A Spectacular Display of Patriotism

The unfurling of the Tricolour was accompanied by a 21-gun salute, synchronized with the raising of the flag by Prime Minister Modi. The ceremonial battery, commanded by Major Sabnis Kaushik, utilized indigenous 105mm Light Field Guns for the salute. The National Flag Guard, led by Commander Vinay Dubey, presented a ‘Rashtriya Salute’ as the flag was unfurled.

A spectacular display followed, with flower petals showered over the venue by two Advanced Light Helicopters Dhruv of the Indian Air Force, piloted by Wing Commanders Amber Agarwal and Rahul Nainwal. The ceremony concluded with the National Anthem, played by the Punjab Regiment Military Band, and a stirring address by Prime Minister Modi.

In a grand finale, 2,000 National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets and 500 National Service Scheme (NSS) volunteers joined in the celebrations, forming a ‘My Bharat’ logo with customized tricolour kits. This vibrant display of patriotism and unity marked the conclusion of the Independence Day ceremony, setting the tone for India’s future aspirations.