Union Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh addresses a press conference regarding the preparations for the 80th Independence Day celebrations, in New Delhi
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This time the Independence Day celebrations will mark a historic first -- singing of Vande Mataram directly from the ramparts when Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives at the Red Fort.Marking 150 years of the national song, this year’s celebrations will honour Vande Mataram that fueled the freedom struggle. Thereafter, the PM will unfurl the National Flag and deliver the customary address to the Nation.Addressing a press conference, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh stated that as 2026 marks 150 years of national song ‘Vande Mataram’ that inspired millions during the freedom struggle will be sung from the ramparts of the Red Fort for the first time as a tribute to its enduring legacy.The celebrations this year will also commemorate Yuva Shakti, acknowledging the contribution of young India in building a Viksit Bharat by 2047, the Defence Secretary added.From a live human formation of 2,500 cadets and volunteers on Gyanpath to aerial flypasts scattering flower petals over the crowd, the Ministry of Defence has structured a ceremony designed to blend historic reverence with a forward-looking vision of youth-led growth.different spheresThe Independence Day Celebrations 2026 will acknowledge the success of youth in different spheres. Achievements of 19 medalist 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.View cutters in the backdrop will showcase India’s progress in nuclear and space technology, with the floral decoration at the Guard of Honour area depicting India’s journey to Viksit Bharat @ 2047, as per a statement by the Ministry of Defence.Approximately 5,000 special guests, who are achievers from different walks of life and are guiding the country in its Viksit Bharat journey, have been invited for the celebrations.In the run up to Independence Day, quizzes and competitions were conducted by Ministry of Defence in collaboration with My Gov. These include Essay Competition on ‘Role of AI in building a Viksit Bharat by 2047’; Painting Competition on ‘India 1947 vs India 2047’; and a series of online quiz contests namely Constitution of India – Fundamental rights, duties, key articles and makers, Women in India’s Freedom Movement – From Rani Lakshmibai to Sarojini Naidu and beyond, Major milestones of Modern India : Technological progresses and achievement in Space Technology, and India’s success story in Nuclear Technology.Around 600 winners of the competitions will also be part of the celebrations.Published on August 10, 2026
