79th Independence Day to celebrate ‘Naya Bharat’ vision with grand ceremony at Red Fort
PTC Web Desk: The Central Government has declared ‘Naya Bharat’ as the theme for the 79th Independence Day celebrations on August 15, symbolising the nation’s aspiration for prosperity, security, and self-reliance. The theme aligns with the government’s long-term vision of achieving Viksit Bharat by 2047, an official statement confirmed.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the celebrations by hoisting the national flag at the historic Red Fort and delivering his annual address to the nation. This year, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has been designated as the coordinating service for the national event. The celebrations will feature a ceremonial Guard of Honour, a 21-gun salute, and a special flypast showcasing both the national flag and the Operation Sindoor flag.
On his arrival at the Red Fort, PM Modi will be welcomed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, and Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. He 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 Guard of Honour inspection.
The Guard of Honour, led by Wing Commander AS Sekhon, will include 96 personnel — one officer and 24 members each from the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, and Delhi Police. After inspection, PM Modi will proceed to the ramparts, where he will be greeted 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 tricolour, synchronised with a 21-gun salute from the 1721 Field Battery (Ceremonial) using indigenous 105mm Light Field Guns. Following the hoisting, the Rashtriya Salute will be presented, accompanied by the Air Force band playing the National Anthem.
The event will also feature a flower petal shower, followed by the Prime Minister’s address to the nation. After his speech, 2,500 NCC cadets and ‘My Bharat’ volunteers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force will sing the National Anthem while forming the ‘Naya Bharat’ logo on Gyanpath.
For the first time, to commemorate Operation Sindoor and boost patriotic fervour, military and paramilitary bands will perform across 140 prominent locations nationwide on Independence Day evening. Participating groups include the bands of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, NCC, and central armed police forces such as CRPF, ITBP, CISF, SSB, BSF, IDS, RPF, and Assam Rifles.
The Red Fort ceremony will also host 5,000 special guests from various walks of life and 1,500 individuals from across India dressed in traditional attire, adding a cultural vibrancy to the celebrations.
- With inputs from agencies
