Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday extended warm greetings to the nation on the 79th Independence Day, calling on citizens to work harder towards fulfilling the dreams of the country’s freedom fighters and building a developed India.
“Wishing everyone a very happy Independence Day. May this day inspire us to keep working even harder to realise the dreams of our freedom fighters and build a Viksit Bharat. Jai Hind!” the Prime Minister wrote on X.
Modi will hoist the national flag at the Red Fort and deliver his 12th consecutive Independence Day address. This year’s celebrations are themed ‘Naya Bharat’, aligned with the government’s vision of achieving ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047.
Upon arrival at the Red Fort, the Prime Minister will be welcomed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, MoS Defence Sanjay Seth, and Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. The Defence Secretary will introduce Lt. Gen. Bhavnish Kumar, GOC, Delhi Area, to the Prime Minister.
A special highlight this year will be the commemoration of Operation Sindoor. The view cutter at Gyanpath will feature its logo, complemented by floral displays. Flying Officer Rashika Sharma will assist the Prime Minister in hoisting the flag, followed by a petal shower from two Mi-17 IAF helicopters—one carrying the national flag and the other the Operation Sindoor flag—piloted by Wing Commanders Vinay Poonia and Aditya Jaiswal.
Around 5,000 special guests have been invited to the event, including members of the Indian contingent for the Special Olympics 2025, international sports winners, gold medallists from the Khelo India Para Games, and top-performing farmers supported under the National Beekeeping and Honey Mission.
For the first time, a series of patriotic band performances will be held nationwide on Independence Day evening, celebrating the spirit of Operation Sindoor. Military and paramilitary bands from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, NCC, CRPF, ITBP, CISF, SSB, BSF, IDS, RPF, and Assam Rifles will perform at over 140 prominent locations across the country.
