PM Modi To Lead 79th Independence Day Celebrations At Red Fort With ‘Naya Bharat’ Theme
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the nation in celebrating the 79th Independence Day from the historic Red Fort on August 15, unfurling the National Flag and addressing the country.
The Centre on Wednesday announced the theme for this year’s celebrations as “Naya Bharat”, reflecting India’s ambition to become prosperous, secure, and self-reliant, aligned with the Government’s vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
The Indian Air Force will coordinate the event, which will include a ceremonial Guard of Honour, a 21-gun salute, and a special flypast carrying both the National Flag and the Operation Sindoor flag.
On arrival at the Red Fort, the Prime Minister will be received by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, and Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. He will then be introduced to Lieutenant General Bhavnish Kumar, General Officer Commanding (GoC) of the Delhi Area, who will escort him to the Saluting Base for the Guard of Honour inspection.
The Guard of Honour will consist of 96 personnel—one officer and 24 members each from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Delhi Police—commanded by Wing Commander AS Sekhon.
Following the inspection, the Prime Minister will proceed to the ramparts to meet the Chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, as well as the Chief of Defence Staff.
Flying Officer Rashika Sharma will assist in hoisting the Tricolour, synchronised with the 21-gun salute fired by the 1721 Field Battery (Ceremonial) using indigenous 105mm Light Field Guns. The National Flag Guard, comprising 128 personnel from the three armed services and Delhi Police, will present the Rashtriya Salute.
The Air Force band, led by Junior Warrant Officer M Deka, will perform the National Anthem, with 11 Agniveer Vayu musicians participating for the first time. As the flag is raised, two IAF Mi-17 helicopters, captained by Wing Commanders Vinay Poonia and Aditya Jaiswal, will shower flower petals over the venue—one carrying the National Flag and the other the Operation Sindoor flag.
