New Delhi: India will commemorate its 80th Independence Day on August 15, a red-letter day in the history of the country, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi set to lead the celebrations at the Red Fort complex amid patriotic fervour and multi-layer security.
For the first time, the National Song, 'Vande Mataram', will be rendered during the Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort.
Ceremonial events will be held at state capitals and other cities and towns across the country, featuring flag-hoisting ceremonies followed by cultural performances.
The main function will be held at the Red Fort complex, where Prime Minister Modi will lead the celebrations.
The mega function will commemorate 150 years of the enduring legacy of the National Song, 'Vande Mataram', and celebrate "the energy, aspirations and pivotal contribution of 'Yuva Shakti' in driving India's journey towards Viksit Bharat by 2047", the Defence Ministry said on Thursday.
Upon his arrival at the Red Fort, Modi will be received by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, his deputy Sanjay Seth and Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.
The Defence Secretary will introduce the General Officer Commanding (GOC), Delhi Area, Lt Gen Rajesh Sethi, to the Prime Minister.
The GOC will then conduct the Prime Minister to the saluting base, where a combined Inter-Services and Delhi Police Guard will present a general salute to Modi. Thereafter, the Prime Minister will inspect the Guard of Honour.
The Guard of Honour contingent for the Prime Minister will consist of one officer and 24 personnel each from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Delhi Police.
A full-dress rehearsal of the event will be held at the Red Fort on Thursday.
The Indian Army will be the coordinating service for the Independence Day celebrations this year.
The Guard of Honour will be commanded by Lt Col Arjun Singh. The Army contingent in the Prime Minister's Guard will be commanded by Maj Aditya Sharma, the naval contingent by Lt Cdr Neelam Rana and the Air Force contingent by Sqn Ldr Vipin Kumar. The Delhi Police contingent will be commanded by Additional DCP Vineet Kumar, the ministry said.
After inspecting the Guard of Honour, the Prime Minister will proceed to the ramparts of the Red Fort. The GOC, Delhi Area, will conduct the Prime Minister to the dais on the ramparts, where he will hoist the national flag.
The ceremonial battery, utilising indigenous 105mm Light Field Guns, will be commanded by Maj Pawan Singh Shekhawat, while the gun position officer will be Naib Subedar (Assistant Instructor in Gunnery) Anuthosh Sarkar.
After being hoisted, the tricolour will receive a 'Rashtriya Salute'.
As soon as the national flag is hoisted by the Prime Minister, flower petals will be showered at the venue by two Mi-17 helicopters of the Indian Air Force — one trooping the national flag and the other carrying a flag depicting 'Vande Mataram'. The helicopters will be captained by Wg Cdr Rajat and Sqn Ldr Ankit Varshney, the statement said.
Following the showering of flower petals, the Prime Minister will address the nation.
For the first time, 'Vande Mataram' will be rendered during the Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort, the ministry said.
Nearly 5,000 special guests from different walks of life will be present to witness the celebrations at the Red Fort this year. They will include International Yoga Day volunteers, women entrepreneurs under PM Mudra Yojana, best-performing MY Bharat volunteers, best-performing beneficiaries of PMAY(U) and street vendors under PM SVANidhi, among others.
Over 1,500 people from various states and Union Territories, dressed in traditional Indian attire, will also be present to witness the grand ceremony.