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As India marks its 80th Independence Day on August 15, this year's celebrations carry several firsts. For the first time, the national song 'Vande Mataram'
— marking 150 years since its composition — will be sung at the Red Fort. The theme this year is 'Yuva Shakti', or youth power. The celebrations will also be witnessed in Chhattisgarh, freed from Left-Wing Extremism since March, the 'Tiranga Yatra' will for the first time reach remote villages and schools in former Naxal strongholds, including 92 villages in Bastar that will hoist the national flag for the first time since Independence.
Vande Mataram Debut At Red Fort
In a first for Independence Day celebrations, 'Vande Mataram' will be rendered at the Red Fort complex during the 79th anniversary of the historic occasion on August 15, followed by the recitation of the National Anthem at the grand event.
According to Defence Secretary R K Singh, the national song of India has inspiraed millions during the freedom struggle.
The Vande Mataram would be sung upin the prime minister's arrival at the Red Fort. Thereafter, he will unfurl the national flag and deliver the customary address to the nation, according to the defence secretary.
A Mi-17 helicopter of the Indian Air Force will carry a banner commemorating 150 years of 'Vande Mataram and shower flower petals over the people gathered at the Red Fort.
The Focus Is On YUVA SHAKTI
The celebrations this year will also commemorate 'Yuva Shakti' (youth power), acknowledging the contribution of young India in building a 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047.
"Achievements of 19 medallist students of International Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematical Olympiad 2026 is an example of the success of Yuva Shakti in the field of science. They have been invited for the function and will be seated on the rampart," the official said.
Invitation Cards, Seating Enclosures Carry 'Seva Teerth' Theme, Named After India's Lakes
This year's invitation cards for the main event feature 'Seva Teerth', meant to inspire people to work with dedication for the well-being of every citizen, an official said.
The Dharm Chakra on the card symbolises the eternal movement of righteous duty and continuous selfless action, the official added. PM Modi, while dedicating 'Seva Teerth' to the nation, had described it as a powerful symbol of duty, compassion and the principle of "nation first," the official noted.
To highlight water conservation, this year's Independence Day seating enclosures have been named after major lakes of India.
Tiranga Yatra to Reach Villages Once Hit by Naxalism
According to Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, this year the Tiranga Yatra will reach remote villages and schools in former Maoist strongholds, which were once considered difficult to eliminate.
As many as 92 villages in the Bastar region, once considered a Maoist stronghold, will witness the hoisting of the national flag for the first time since Independence on August 15, Deputy Chhattisgarh CM Vijay Sharma said last week. Chhattisgarh was declared free of Left-Wing Extremism on March 31.
Delhi Assembly To Open Its Gates To Citizens
The Delhi Vidhan Sabha premises will be opened to citizens on August 14 and August 15, with the building set to be illuminated in special tricolour-theme lighting to mark the Independence Day.
The assembly premises will be opened for the people from 5 pm to 8 pm on both days. Bands of BSF and CRPF contingent will play special patriotic tunes and Sahitya Kala Parishad artistes will perform to mark the 80th Independence Day, the statement from Delhi Vidhan Sabha Secretariat said.
No prior registration will be required for visitors on either day. Entry will begin at 5 pm, subject to the prescribed security checks. Visitors will be required to carry a valid identity document, such as an Aadhaar card, for entry into the assembly premises, it said.
The visitors will have an opportunity to explore the historic assembly building and important heritage sites within the complex, while learning about the institution’s place in Delhi’s legislative and democratic history, the statement said.
