On Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted the national flag at the Red Fort in New Delhi for the 11th consecutive time, marking the celebration of India’s 78th Independence Day.
The day began with overcast skies in Delhi, accompanied by a light drizzle. After raising the Tricolour, the Prime Minister received a ‘Rashtriya Salute.’ The Punjab Regiment Military band, led by Subedar Major Rajinder Singh and comprising one JCO and 25 other ranks, played the National Anthem during the flag-hoisting ceremony and presented the ‘Rashtriya Salute.’
Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister took to his social media platform X to extend his greetings to the nation, posting, “Independence Day greetings to my fellow Indians. Jai Hind!”
Upon his arrival at the Red Fort, PM Modi was welcomed by Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, MoS Defence Sanjay Seth, and Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane. The Defence Secretary presented Lieutenant General Bhavnish Kumar, the General Officer Commanding (GoC) of the Delhi Area, to the Prime Minister. The GoC then escorted PM Modi to the Saluting Base, where a combined Inter-Services and Delhi Police Guard presented a general salute, which the Prime Minister subsequently inspected.
The Prime Minister’s Guard of Honour comprised one officer and 24 personnel from the Army, Air Force, and Delhi Police. After the flag was raised, PM Modi addressed the nation from the iconic monument’s ramparts, continuing the tradition. This year, the Indian Navy took on the role of coordinating the event, adding a special touch to the celebration.
Commander Arun Kumar Mehta led the Guard of Honour, with Major Arjun Singh commanding the Army contingent, Lieutenant Commander Gulia Bhavesh NK leading the Naval contingent, Squadron Leader Akshara Uniyal heading the Air Force contingent, and Additional DCP Anurag Dwivedi commanding the Delhi Police contingent.
In an effort to increase public participation in the national celebrations, approximately 6,000 special guests were invited to witness the event at the Red Fort. As the Prime Minister hoisted the National Flag, two Advanced Light Helicopters Dhruv from the Indian Air Force, piloted by Wing Commanders Amber Agarwal and Rahul Nainwal, flew in the Line Astern Formation and showered flower petals over the venue..
This year’s Independence Day theme, ‘Viksit Bharat @ 2047,’ highlights the government’s ongoing efforts to transform India into a developed nation by the year 2047. The celebrations aim to provide a renewed impetus to these national development initiatives.
