PM Modi leads Independence Day celebrations, colourful fete in Delhi
India is celebrating its 80th Independence Day today, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading the national celebrations from the Red Fort in Delhi.
The National Flag was unfurled alongside the traditional 21-gun salute, after which the Prime Minister addressed the nation from the Red Fort ramparts.
This year’s celebrations highlighted the 150-year legacy of the National Song, Vande Mataram, as well as the contribution of young Indians to the country’s development vision for 2047.
For the first time, Vande Mataram formed part of the Red Fort ceremony. Around 2,500 Army, Navy and Air Force cadets, along with My Bharat volunteers, will participate in the programme. The National Song will be followed by the National Anthem.
Approximately 5,000 special guests from different sections of society have been invited. They include artisans associated with PM Vishwakarma, women entrepreneurs benefiting from PM Mudra, street vendors supported through PM SVANidhi and drivers associated with Bharat Taxi.
Security has also been strengthened in Delhi. Around 15,000 personnel from multiple agencies have reportedly been deployed, while about 1,000 CCTV cameras have been installed around the Red Fort.
Across the country, patriotic programmes and band performances are also being organised, with performances scheduled at 343 prominent locations.