News Brief
Independence Day 2024: PM Modi To Deliver First Address Of Third Term From Red Fort— What To Expect
PM Modi at Red Fort, Independence Day, 2023.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to unfurl the national flag at the historic Red Fort in Delhi for the first time in his third term as PM, and will address the nation today (15 August), marking India's 78th Independence Day.
This will be the 11th consecutive year that PM Modi will lead the Independence Day celebrations from the Red Fort.
The theme for this year's Independence Day is 'Viksit Bharat @ 2047,' reflecting the government's ambitious vision of transforming India into a developed nation by 2047.
During his address, PM Modi is expected to present a comprehensive report card of his government's achievements, outline new policies, and announce future programmes aimed at realising this vision.
The celebrations will witness the participation of around 6,000 special guests, including representatives from diverse sections of society such as youth, tribal communities, farmers, women, ASHA workers, Nurse Midwives, and Anganwadi workers.
Notably, the Indian contingent that recently competed in the Paris Olympics has also been invited to the event.
Additionally, nearly 2,000 individuals from various States and Union Territories, dressed in traditional attire, will be present, adding a vibrant cultural touch to the ceremony.
The Prime Minister will be received at the Red Fort by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, and Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane.
Following the inspection, PM Modi will proceed to the ramparts of the Red Fort, where Lieutenant General Bhavnish Kumar, the General Officer Commanding of Delhi Area, will escort him to the dais for the flag unfurling ceremony.
Lieutenant Sanjeet Saini will assist the Prime Minister in unfurling the National Flag, which will be synchronised with a 21 Gun Salute by the 1721 Field Battery (Ceremonial).
The unfurling will be followed by a 'Rashtriya Salute' to the Tricolour, and the Punjab Regiment Military band will play the National Anthem.
As the National Flag is unfurled, two Advanced Light Helicopters Dhruv from the Indian Air Force will shower flower petals at the venue in a Line Astern Formation.
After the ceremonial aspects, the Prime Minister will deliver his address to the nation.
The ceremony will conclude with the National Anthem, sung by cadets from the National Cadet Corps (NCC).
A total of 2,000 cadets from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, representing schools from across the country, will participate in the celebrations, adding to the patriotic fervour of the day.
