Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday paid tribute to India’s freedom fighters on Independence Day, saying their courage, sacrifice and commitment to ending colonial rule continue to inspire the country’s journey towards building a Viksit Bharat.His Independence Day message came as he prepared to lead the 80th Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort, where the government has placed the 150th anniversary of the National Song ‘Vande Mataram’ and the role of ‘Yuva Shakti’ at the centre of this year’s event.In an Independence Day message, Modi remembered the “countless freedom fighters” whose efforts, he said, secured India’s freedom from colonial rule. He said their dreams remain an inspiration as the country works towards its next phase of development.“Warm greetings on the occasion of Independence Day.We remember with gratitude the countless freedom fighters whose courage, sacrifice and unwavering commitment ensured the end of colonial rule. Their dreams continue to inspire us as we work together to build a Viksit Bharat.”You Might Also Like:— narendramodi (@narendramodi) The Prime Minister also placed citizens at the centre of India’s development journey, saying the country’s progress across sectors is being powered by 140 crore Indians.“Powered by 140 crore Indians, our nation is scaling new heights of progress across different sectors,” Modi said.He expressed hope that the pace of this progress would increase in the coming years.“May this journey keep progressing at an even greater pace in the times to come,” he said.Vande Mataram takes centre stageThis year’s Independence Day celebrations mark 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’. For the first time, the National Song will be rendered during the Independence Day ceremony at the Red Fort.After Modi hoists the Tricolour from the ramparts, the flag ceremony will be synchronised with a 21-gun salute by the 1721 Field Battery (Ceremonial), using indigenous 105 mm Light Field Guns.Also Read: Independence Day 2026- 50 villages of tribal freedom fighters to showcase tales of valour, sacrificeThe National Flag Guard will then present the Rashtriya Salute, followed by the Army band playing ‘Vande Mataram’. Everyone present at the Red Fort will join the singing before the National Anthem is played.Two Mi-17 helicopters of the Indian Air Force will also shower flower petals over the venue. One will carry the National Flag, while the other will carry a flag depicting ‘Vande Mataram’.Youth at the heart of the celebrationsThe celebrations will also highlight ‘Yuva Shakti’ and its role in India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047.A total of 2,500 boys and girls from the Army, Navy and Air Force, along with ‘My Bharat’ volunteers, will participate in the event. They will be seated along Gyanpath to form the words ‘Vande Mataram’.View cutters displaying the theme ‘Viksit Bharat@2047’ will also be installed at Gyanpath.At the end of Modi’s address, NCC cadets and ‘My Bharat’ volunteers will sing ‘Vande Mataram’, followed by the National Anthem.Modi’s 13th consecutive Red Fort addressModi will be received at the Red Fort by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth and Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. He will then receive the Guard of Honour comprising personnel from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Delhi Police.Captain Sonia Singh Chauhan will assist Modi in hoisting the Tricolour.The Prime Minister will subsequently address the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort. It will be his 13th consecutive Independence Day address from the venue.5,000 special guests to attendAround 5,000 special guests from different walks of life have been invited to the celebrations. The list includes women entrepreneurs, sanitation workers, street vendors, youth innovators, scientists, start-up founders, artisans, farmers, students and beneficiaries of government schemes.More than 1,500 people from different states and Union Territories, dressed in traditional attire, will also attend the ceremony.The seating enclosures at the Red Fort have been named after major Indian lakes, including Chilika, Dal, Loktak, Pangong Tso, Pushkar, Vembanad and Wular.Public arrangements in placeAuthorities have set up 25 cloakrooms at six locations, along with helpdesks staffed by 200 volunteers. Wheelchair assistance will be available at metro stations and parking areas.Metro services will begin at 4 am on August 15, with free travel for invitees. Parking will be available at the Parade Ground for visitors carrying valid parking labels.A post-event Swachhata campaign involving NCC cadets and ‘My Bharat’ volunteers will also be held at the Red Fort. Drainage and sewage systems around the venue have been cleaned ahead of possible rainfall.Celebrations beyond DelhiIn the run-up to Independence Day, the Defence Ministry, MyGov, Delhi government departments and Delhi Police organised quizzes, competitions and other activities centred on patriotism, national unity, India’s development and the freedom movement. Around 600 winners will attend the Independence Day celebrations.Patriotic band performances are also being held at 343 prominent locations across the country by the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, NCC, CAPFs and other organisations. These events are open to the public.The Indian Navy and local administrations will also hold flag-hoisting ceremonies in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep.The broader Independence Day programme thus combines a tribute to the freedom movement with the government’s focus on youth and the 2047 development goal, with ‘Vande Mataram’ serving as the central theme of this year’s celebrations.