New Delhi, August 13(HS): The stage is set for a momentous 79th Independence Day celebration, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the nation from the hallowed ramparts of Delhi’s Red Fort on Friday, August 15. With the theme “Naya Bharat” (New India), this year’s commemoration promises to be a tapestry of tradition, military precision, and national ambition, projecting the Government’s vision of a prosperous, secure, and assertive India by 2047.

A Ceremonial Beginning Steeped in Tradition

Upon arrival, the Prime Minister will be accorded a formal reception by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, and Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. The General Officer Commanding (GOC) Delhi Area, Lt. Gen. Bhavnish Kumar, will escort him to the Saluting Base for the Guard of Honour — an impeccable formation of 96 personnel drawn equally from the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, and Delhi Police.

The Indian Air Force, as the coordinating service this year, has entrusted Wing Commander A.S. Sekhon with commanding the Guard of Honour. Each contingent will be led by its own officer: Major Arjun Singh (Army), Lt. Commander Komaldeep Singh (Navy), Sqn. Leader Rajan Arora (Air Force), and Additional DCP Rohit Rajbir Singh (Delhi Police).

The Tricolour Ascends the Sky

The heart of the ceremony will unfold as Prime Minister Modi makes his way to the Red Fort ramparts, where he will hoist the Tiranga, assisted by Flying Officer Rashika Sharma. This act will be synchronised with a thunderous 21-Gun Salute by the 1721 Field Battery (Ceremonial), using indigenous 105mm Light Field Guns under Major Pawan Singh Shekhawat’s command.

A specially designated National Flag Guard of 128 personnel — again representing the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Delhi Police — will render a Rashtriya Salute, led by Wing Commander Tarun Dagar. The Air Force band, under JWO M. Deka, will accompany the flag hoisting with the National Anthem, featuring for the first time ever — 11 Agniveer Vayu musicians.

As the flag flutters proudly, two Indian Air Force Mi-17 helicopters, captained by Wing Commanders Vinay Poonia and Aditya Jaiswal, will shower petals from the sky — one trailing the national flag, the other carrying the banner of ‘Operation Sindoor’.

Operation Sindoor – The Heartbeat of the 2025 Celebrations

A defining feature of this year’s Independence Day is the celebration of Operation Sindoor, a landmark counter-terrorism success. Its emblem will adorn the Gyanpath viewing stands, floral displays, and official invitations. The cards will also carry a watermark of the Chenab Bridge, symbolising engineering marvels and the nation’s rise as ‘Naya Bharat’.

The ‘Naya Bharat’ Formation

Opposite the Red Fort ramparts, the Gyanpath will be a sea of youthful patriotism. 2,500 National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets and ‘My Bharat’ volunteers from across India will form the ‘Naya Bharat’ logo and join in singing the National Anthem at the close of the Prime Minister’s keynote address.

The People’s Celebration — 5,000 Special Guests

In a deeply symbolic move, nearly 5,000 special invitees from varied walks of life will witness the event. The guest list reads like a cross-section of the nation — decorated athletes including Special Olympics 2025 participants, model farmers, grassroots sarpanches, entrepreneurs from marginalised communities, authors, youth achievers under PM-YUVA, social innovators, and the “Lakhpati Didis” of rural success stories.

More than 1,500 invitees will don traditional attire from their respective states, turning the Red Fort grounds into a dazzling showcase of India’s cultural fabric.

Public-friendly Arrangements

To ensure a smooth experience, organisers have provided 25 cloakrooms across 12 locations, wheelchair assistance at parking areas and metro stations, and 190 volunteers from ‘My Bharat’ and NCC to help guide visitors. Additional parking for 250 cars and early 4 AM metro services on August 15 will ensure unhindered access.

Nationwide Participation – Competitions & Cultural Spirit

In the run-up to the celebrations, the Defence Ministry and MyGov conducted essay, painting, and reel-making competitions, along with thematic quizzes on topics such as women in nation-building, border security, and indigenisation in defence technology. Around 1,000 winners will be honoured with prime seats at the event.

A Musical Finale Spanning the Nation

For the first time, an Independence Day Military Band Festival will take place across more than 140 prominent locations nationwide in the evening. The majestic notes will come from the bands of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, CRPF, ITBP, CISF, SSB, BSF, IDS, RPF, and Assam Rifles — a synchronised salute to the unity in diversity that defines India.

A Message to the World

These Independence Day celebrations are more than a ceremonial routine — they are a living proclamation of India’s transformation. From the symbolism of the Naya Bharat formation to the honouring of grassroots heroes, every detail has been meticulously woven to reflect a confident nation surging towards its 2047 vision.

As the Prime Minister unfurls the Tricolour under the crimson sandstone arches of the Red Fort, the nation will not just be looking back at 78 years of freedom — it will be gazing forward, towards a future filled with purpose, pride, and promise.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar