New Delhi: India’s 80th Independence Day celebration on Saturday will mark some significant firsts.
‘Vande Mataram’, the National Song, will be sung at the Red Fort for the first time, marking 150 years since its composition.
Also, now that Chhattisgarh is Maoist-free since March, the ‘Tiranga Yatra’ will reach remote villages and schools in former Naxal strongholds of the state, including 92 villages in Bastar district where the National Flag will be hoisted for the first time.
The Vande Mataram will be sung upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s arrival at the Red Fort on Saturday morning, followed by the National Anthem.
After unfurling the National Flag, PM Modi will deliver the customary address to the nation to mark the 79th anniversary of the historic occasion on August 15, 1947.
According to Defence Secretary R K Singh, an Mi-17 helicopter of the Indian Air Force will carry a banner commemorating 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’ and shower flower petals over the audience at the Red Fort.
The theme of this year’s I-Day celebrations is ‘Yuva Shakti’ (youth power) to acknowledge the contribution of young India in building a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047.
“Achievements of 19 medallist students of International Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematical Olympiad 2026 is an example of the success of Yuva Shakti in the field of science. They have been invited for the function and will be seated on the rampart,” Singh said.
Th invitation card for this year’s I-Day event features ‘Seva Teerth’, meant to inspire people to work with dedication for the well-being of every citizen, an official said, adding that the Dharm Chakra on the card symbolises eternal movement of righteous duty and continuous selfless action.
The seating enclosures have been named after major lakes of India, to highlight water conservation.
Delhi Assembly open for citizens
The Delhi Vidhan Sabha premises, to be illuminated in special Tricolour-theme lighting, will be opened for citizens on August 14 and 15.
The Assembly will be opened for public from 5 pm to 8 pm on both days, when visitors will get the opportunity to explore the historic building and heritage sites within the complex.
BSF and CRPF bands will play special patriotic tunes and Sahitya Kala Parishad artistes will perform to mark 80th Independence Day, Delhi Vidhan Sabha Secretariat said in a statement.
No prior registration will be required for visitors, who will be able to walk in after proper security checks. Visitors will have to carry a valid identity document, such as an Aadhaar card, for entry into the Assembly premises.
Live broadcast of PM Modi’s speech
PM Modi will be received by Defence minister Rajnath Singh, minister of state Sanjay Seth and Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.
After the ceremonial introductions, the Prime Minister will inspect the Guard of Honour. Modi will proceed to the ramparts of the Red Fort to hoist the National Flag.
The I-Day celebrations will be broadcast live from 7.30 am on August 15.
Doordarshan is the official broadcaster, but all news channels will cover the event. The PIB will stream the events through all social media channels.