New Delhi: As the nation got ready to celebrate its 80th Independence Day, the morning began on a misty note, with a veil of fog hanging over Red Fort. But as the hour for the annual flag-hoisting by Prime Minister approached, sunlight broke through the mist. The humidity remained high, but so was the spirit of freedom.Families arrived in groups, with cameras and phones out, capturing last-minute rehearsals and the atmosphere around them. Seats steadily filled as NCC cadets and performers warmed up, while excited schoolchildren settled in, eagerly awaiting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s arrival and the ceremonial march. Smiles, flags and bursts of conversation filled the venue as guests soaked in the significance of being part of the celebrations. For many, the morning was less about watching a ceremony and more about experiencing a tradition they have grown up seeing on television.Harsh Chowhan, a 10-year-old who came from Noida, was thrilled to witness the spectacle for the first time. “I am very grateful to witness this celebration,” he said, his words capturing the uncomplicated pride that often lies at the heart of Independence Day.Twelve-year-old Yash Mishra was attending the ceremony for the second time. He noticed the changes around him — arrangements better, venue cleaner and seating arrangements more organised than the previous year. But what mattered the most was “our way to remember those who gave their lives so that their future generation can live a better life”.Sunita, a 54-year-old teacher, had accompanied her students, along with colleagues, to rehearsals at Red Fort for the past 15 days. Arriving as early as 4am Saturday, she said the volunteers and the helpdesk guided them through the arrangements. “We have been coming here for 15 days. I just hope the weather is kind to us and it doesn’t rain.”Another teacher from the same govt school, 55-year-old Nisha Bhasker, praised the arrangements for the students, particularly the buses ferrying them from school for rehearsals. She was also impressed by Saturday’s decorations.For the young audience, Independence Day was both a spectacle and a lesson — Tricolour, soldiers, cultural programmes, the stories of sacrifice, all offering them a tangible connection with their history books.This year’s celebrations carried an added cultural resonance as Independence Day coincided with Navroz, the Parsi New Year. PM Modi greeted the community, acknowledging its remarkable role in nation-building.The celebrations also marked 150 years of Vande Mataram, giving the national song a special place in the ceremony. In a first, all six stanzas of the song were rendered at Red Fort, followed by the national anthem. As Prime Minister reached the ramparts to address the nation, an Army band played Vande Mataram and guests joined in the rendition. Programme booklets handed to the guests had all six stanzas along with the details of the event. Echoing the sentiment, Modi said, “Every heartbeat resonates with the chant of Vande Mataram.” Floral decorations also prominently depicted Vande Mataram alongside Tricolour.Capt Sonia Singh Chauhan assisted PM in hoisting the Tricolour, synchronised with the 21-gun salute. Following the Rashtriya Salute of Tricolour, two Indian Air Force Mi-17 helicopters — one carrying the national flag and the other a flag with Vande Mataram written on it — showered flower petals over the venue. Across the area, NCC cadets and My Bharat volunteers seated along Gyanpath formed the words, Vande Mataram, in white and saffron.Nearly 5,000 special guests from different walks of life witnessed the celebrations. They included International Yoga Day volunteers, women entrepreneurs supported by PM Mudra Yojana, high-performing MY Bharat volunteers, beneficiaries of PMAY(U), street vendors under PM SVANidhi and PM Vishwakarma beneficiaries. More than 1,500 people from states and Union territories, dressed in traditional Indian attire, added another layer of colour.Nine months after the Nov 10 blast near Red Fort, the historic monument remained the centre stage under layers of security — its walls once again witnessing a country celebrating freedom, defiance and the resolve to carry on.
