The Centre on Wednesday revealed the theme for the upcoming 79th Independence Day celebrations on August 15, announcing “Naya Bharat” as the guiding message for this year’s national event.
The theme reflects
the country’s ambition to build a prosperous, secure, and self-reliant India as it moves toward the Government’s vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047, an official statement said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the celebrations from the historic Red Fort, where he will unfurl the National Flag and address the nation.
The Indian Air Force is the coordinating service for this year’s event, which will feature a ceremonial Guard of Honour, a 21-gun salute, and a special flypast carrying both the National Flag and the Operation Sindoor flag.
Upon 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 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 general salute and Guard of Honour inspection.
The Guard of Honour will comprise 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, where he will be greeted by 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 a 21-gun salute from the 1721 Field Battery (Ceremonial) using indigenous 105mm Light Field Guns.
The National Flag Guard—128 personnel drawn equally from the three armed services and the Delhi Police—will present the Rashtriya Salute.
The Air Force band, led by Junior Warrant Officer M Deka, will play 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 flying the National Flag and the other bearing the Operation Sindoor flag.
