New Delhi: Two women officers – Major Nikita Nair and Major Jasmine Kaur – will assist Prime Minister Narendra Modi in hoisting the National Flag at the historic Red Fort on 77th Independence Day, which will mark the culmination of ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ celebrations, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said on Sunday.
It will be synchronised with the 21 Gun Salute by the valiant gunners of the elite 8711 Field Battery (Ceremonial) while flower petals will be showered on the venue by two Advanced Light Helicopters Mark-III Dhruv of the Indian Air Force in the Line Astern Formation.
”After being hoisted, the tricolour will receive a ‘Rashtriya Salute’. The Army band, consisting of one JCO and 20 other ranks, will play the National Anthem during the unfurling of the national flag and presenting of the ‘Rashtriya Salute’. The Band will be conducted by Naib Subedar Jatinder Singh,” it said.
According to the ministry, the Guard of Honour contingent, for the Prime Minister, will consist of one officer and 25 personnel each from the Army, Air Force and Delhi Police and one officer and 24 personnel from Navy.
This year’s event will feature around 1,800 ‘special guests’ as part of the government’s “Jan Bhagidari” push to encourage public participation in governance. They include over 400 sarpanch of more than 660 vibrant villages; 250 from farmer producer organisations scheme; 50 participants each of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Scheme and Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana; 50 Shram Yogis (construction workers) of the Central Vista Project, including the New Parliament Building; 50 each Khadi workers, those involved in construction of border roads, making of Amrit Sarovar and Har Ghar Jal Yojana, as well as 50 each primary school teachers, nurses and fishermen.
Seventy-five couples from each state and Union Territory will also witness the ceremony at Red Fort in their traditional attire.
The release further said that selfie points dedicated to different schemes and initiatives of the government have also been installed at 12 locations, including National War Memorial, India Gate, Vijay Chowk, New Delhi Railway Station, Pragati Maidan, Raj Ghat, Jama Masjid Metro Station, Rajiv Chowk Metro Station, Delhi Gate Metro Station, ITO Metro Gate, Naubat Khana and Sheesh Ganj Gurudwara, across the national capital.
Meanwhile, PM Modi has changed his profile picture on his social media handles to tricolour’ and also urged citizens to do the same in the spirit of Har Ghar Tiranga movement being celebrated between August 13-15. “In the spirit of the #HarGharTiranga movement, let us change the DP of our social media accounts and extend support to this unique effort which will deepen the bond between our beloved country and us.”
