Independence Day 2025: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday hoisted the national flag at the Red Fort to mark India’s 79th Independence Day. He wore a saffron-coloured pagdi and a tricolour stole, paired with a white kurta, churidar, and an orange Nehru jacket. The celebrations this year carry the theme Naya Bharat, reflecting the government’s vision of achieving Viksit Bharat by 2047. Flying Officer Rashika Sharma assisted the Prime Minister in hoisting the flag. Following the ceremony, two Mi-17 helicopters of the Indian Air Force showered flower petals over the Red Fort. One helicopter carried the national flag and the other displayed the Operation Sindoor flag. The aircraft were piloted by Wing Commanders Vinay Poonia and Aditya Jaiswal.
PM Modi was received at the Red Fort by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Minister of State Sanjay Seth, and the chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force. He also reviewed the ceremonial guard of honour consisting of 128 personnel from the Indian Air Force, Army, Navy, and Delhi Police, led by Wing Commander Arun Nagar.
PM Modi began his 12th consecutive Independence Day address from the Red Fort. In his address, Modi paid tribute to the countless people who sacrificed and struggled for the country’s freedom. “Today, from the ramparts of the Red Fort, I pay my respectful homage to the makers of the Constitution, who guide the country and give direction to the country. Today we are also celebrating the 125th birth anniversary of Dr. Shyama Prasad Mookerjee. Dr. Shyama Prasad Mookerjee was the first great man of the country to sacrifice for the Constitution of India. Sacrifice for the Constitution. When we brought the mantra of one country, one constitution to life by demolishing the wall of Article 370, we paid true tribute to Dr. Shyama Prasad Mookerjee. Many special dignitaries are present at the Red Fort today. There are members of Panchayats from far-flung villages, representatives of Drone Didi, representatives of Lakhpati Didi, people from the world of sports, great people who have given something or the other to the nation and life are present here. In a way, I am seeing a miniature India here in front of my eyes. And today, the Red Fort is also connected with India through technology,” PM Modi said as quoted by ANI.
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PM Modi paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat before the ceremony. Ahead of his speech, he shared Independence Day greetings on social media, writing, “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!”
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