New Delhi: Preparations for the country’s 80th Independence Day have reached the final stage in the capital Delhi. Indian Army soldiers on Tuesday practised the traditional 21-gun salute at Dangal Park near the Red Fort ahead of the main ceremony from the ramparts of the Red Fort on August 15. During the rehearsal, the army soldiers finalised the preparations for the ceremony.
What will be special in the ceremony this time?
This year the main focus of the Independence Day celebrations will be on ‘Youth Power’. Through the ceremony, the achievements and talent of the country’s young generation and their role in building a developed India will be highlighted. Besides, the country’s progress towards the goal of a developed India by the year 2047 has also been made a part of the celebration.
Will ‘Vande Mataram’ echo from the Red Fort for the first time?
This time a historic change will also be seen in the Independence Day celebrations. On the occasion of completion of 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’, it will be sung for the first time from the ramparts of the Red Fort. According to the defence ministry, ‘Vande Mataram’ will be presented after Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaches the Red Fort. After this the Prime Minister will hoist the national flag and address the nation.
Which young talents will get the honour?
The achievements of the country’s youth have been given a special place in the ceremony. 19 students who won medals in the International Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics Olympiad of the year 2026 have been invited as special guests at the Independence Day celebrations. Apart from these, young innovators, startup founders, interns of the Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme, beneficiaries of the Skill Development Scheme and volunteers of ‘Mera Bharat’ will also be given a place in the function.
Will we even see a glimpse of India’s progress?
The country’s achievements in nuclear energy, space research and technology sector will also be showcased in the ceremony to be held at the Red Fort. The concept of Developed India@2047 will be given prominence in the decoration and visual presentations of the venue. Apart from this, this year the names of major lakes of the country will be used in the seating arrangement of special guests so that the message of water conservation can also be conveyed to the people.
How many special guests will be included?
According to the defence ministry, around 5,000 special guests have been invited to the Independence Day celebrations. These guests are people doing notable work in different fields of society. The Leader of Opposition will also be invited to the function and the seating arrangement will be as per the official order of preference.
Meanwhile, security arrangements are also being tightened around the Red Fort. The Army’s 21-gun salute rehearsal ahead of the main function on August 15 has signalled the final phase of Independence Day preparations.
