New Delhi, 15 August (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi unfurled the national flag at the historic Red Fort on Saturday as India celebrated its 80th Independence Day.

PM Modi arrived at the Red Fort after paying tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and senior defence officials welcomed the Prime Minister upon his arrival at the historic venue.

Following the ceremonial proceedings,PM Modi unfurled the Tricolour from the ramparts of the Red Fort, continuing the country's longstanding Independence Day tradition. The national anthem was played as the national flag was hoisted.

The flag-hoisting ceremony was followed by the Prime Minister's address to the nation from the Red Fort. This marked Modi's 13th consecutive Independence Day speech from the historic ramparts since he first assumed office in 2014.

This year's celebrations feature a historic first, with Vande Mataram being performed from the Red Fort before the national anthem. The programme also places a special emphasis on India's youth under the themes “150 Years of Vande Mataram” and “Yuva Shakti for Viksit Bharat@2047.”

Around 27,000 guests, including students, young innovators, entrepreneurs and interns, are attending the 80th Independence Day celebrations in the national capital.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar