The Union government on August 13 announced “Naya Bharat” as the theme for the 79th Independence Day celebrations on August 15. The theme represents India’s aspiration to become a prosperous, secure, and self-reliant nation, aligned with the government’s vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047, according to an official statement. This year’s celebrations will also pay tribute to the successful Operation Sindoor, a key milestone in strengthening India’s national security. On August 15, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hoist the national flag at the historic Red Fort and deliver his address to the nation.
Upon his arrival at the Red Fort, Prime Minister Modi will be received by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, and Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.
Prime Minister Modi will then be introduced to Lieutenant General Bhavnish Kumar, General Officer Commanding (GoC) of the Delhi Area, who will escort him to the Saluting Base for the general salute and inspection of the Guard of Honour.
The Guard of Honour, led by Wing Commander A.S. Sekhon, will consist of 96 personnel, one officer and 24 members each from the Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, and Delhi Police.
After inspecting the Guard of Honour, Prime Minister Modi will proceed to the Red Fort ramparts, where he will be welcomed by the Chiefs of the three armed forces and the Chief of Defence Staff.
Flying Officer Rashika Sharma will assist the Prime Minister in hoisting the national flag, which will be accompanied by a 21-gun salute from the 1721 Field Battery (Ceremonial) using indigenous 105mm Light Field Guns.
Once hoisted, the tricolour will receive a ‘Rashtriya Salute’, accompanied by the National Anthem performed by the Indian Air Force band, comprising one JCO and 25 musicians.
Following the ceremonial flower petal shower, Prime Minister Modi will address the nation. At the end of his speech, National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets and ‘My Bharat’ volunteers will join in singing the National Anthem. A total of 2,500 boys and girls from the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the NCC, along with ‘My Bharat’ volunteers, will take part in the celebrations. They will be seated on Gyanpath, opposite the Red Fort ramparts, forming the ‘Naya Bharat’ logo.
For the first time, patriotic band performances will be held across the country on Independence Day evening to celebrate the spirit of nationalism and the success of Operation Sindoor.
The performances will feature bands from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Indian Coast Guard, NCC, CRPF, ITBP, CISF, SSB, BSF, IDS, RPF, and Assam Rifles, and will take place at more than 140 prominent locations across the country.
Around 5,000 special guests from diverse backgrounds have been invited to attend this year’s Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort. In addition, over 1,500 individuals from various states and Union Territories, dressed in traditional attire, will also be present to witness the grand ceremony.
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