New Delhi, 15 August (H.S.):

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended Independence Day greetings to the people of the country early on Saturday morning, before his arrival at the Red Fort for the main national celebrations. His message was posted on his X handle ahead of his arrival at the historic venue.

The Prime Minister said, “Heartfelt Independence Day greetings to all fellow citizens. This national festival reminds us of the extraordinary courage, relentless struggle and unparalleled dedication to the motherland of our brave freedom fighters. Let us follow their ideals and work towards fulfilling the resolve of a developed India.”

According to the tentative schedule for the main official Independence Day ceremony at the Red Fort, Prime Minister Modi is expected to arrive at the Lahori Gate at around 7:15 a.m. Senior officials of the Ministry of Defence will reach the venue ahead of him. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will also be present before the Prime Minister’s arrival.

Chief of Defence Staff General N.S. Raja Subramani, along with the chiefs of the Army, Navy and Air Force, will also attend the ceremony. As in previous years, the Ministry of Defence has decorated the Red Fort with flowers in the colours of the national flag to mark the occasion.

Prime Minister Modi will address the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort during the main Independence Day celebrations in the national capital, marking the 80th Independence Day.

After leaving his official residence, Modi will visit the National War Memorial, where he will pay tribute to soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice. He will then proceed to the Red Fort to attend the main ceremony and hoist the national flag. This will be his 13th consecutive Independence Day flag-hoisting ceremony at the Red Fort.

The Prime Minister’s Office had earlier invited suggestions from citizens regarding themes and issues to be addressed in his Independence Day speech.

For the first time, the national song “Vande Mataram” will be performed before the national anthem “Jana Gana Mana” at the Independence Day ceremony held at the Red Fort.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar