Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar extended his greetings on the 78th Independence Day, emphasizing the celebration of the ideals of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity, which form the foundation of the world’s largest democracy. “Heartiest greetings on 78th Independence Day! This day is a celebration of the ideals of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity, which remain the bedrock of our vibrant democracy, the largest in the world. Let us reflect on the collective journey we have traversed as a nation and work hard to realize the goal of ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047,” Dhankhar shared on X.
The Vice President urged citizens to reaffirm their commitment to the values upheld by the freedom movement. “I extend my heartiest greetings to all citizens on our 78th Independence Day. This day reminds us of the indomitable courage and selfless sacrifice of countless heroes who laid the foundation of sovereign Bharat. Let us commit ourselves to the lofty values upheld by our freedom movement,” he said.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked the occasion by hoisting the national flag at the Red Fort in New Delhi for the 11th consecutive time. The event took place under an overcast sky with a slight drizzle. After raising the tricolor, the Prime Minister received a ‘Rashtriya Salute’ as the Punjab Regiment Military Band, led by Subedar Major Rajinder Singh, played the National Anthem. The band included one Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) and 25 other personnel.
Earlier in the day, PM Modi also extended his Independence Day greetings on X, posting, “Independence Day greetings to my fellow Indians. Jai Hind!”
Upon his arrival at the Red Fort, PM Modi was welcomed by Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, and Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane. The Defence Secretary introduced Lieutenant General Bhavnish Kumar, General Officer Commanding (GoC) of the Delhi Area, to the Prime Minister, who was then escorted to the Saluting Base. A combined Inter-Services and Delhi Police Guard presented a general salute to the Prime Minister, followed by an inspection of the Guard of Honour.
Following the flag hoisting, PM Modi delivered his customary address to the nation from the historic Red Fort. As soon as the national flag was hoisted, flower petals were showered over the venue by two Advanced Light Helicopters Dhruv of the Indian Air Force in the Line Astern Formation. The helicopters were piloted by Wing Commander Amber Agarwal and Wing Commander Rahul Nainwal.
This year’s Independence Day theme, ‘Viksit Bharat @ 2047,’ reflects the government’s vision of transforming India into a developed nation by 2047. The celebrations aim to energize efforts toward this goal.
