Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the nation on the 80th Independence Day, exhorted Indians to dream big to achieve the goal of a developed India by 2047, saying the world will be forced to look at the country differently as “we work towards achieving this dream”. After arriving at the Red Fort and receiving the Guard of Honour, PM Modi unfurled the Tricolour, paying rich tributes to Mahatma Gandhi and freedom fighters while remembering their sacrifices.Independence Day LIVEAn Army band played the tune of ‘Vande Mataram’ as the guests present on the occasion sang the national song. This was followed by the Prime Minister hoisting the national flag, and then the National Anthem was recited. Flower petals were showered at the venue by two Mi-17 helicopters of the Indian Air Force — one trooping the national flag and the other carrying a flag depicting ‘Vande Mataram’.Independence Day: The Hindu newspaper from August 15, 1947Nearly 5,000 special guests from different walks of life have been invited to witness the celebrations at Red Fort this year. A large number of people from various States and Union Territories, dressed in traditional Indian attire, were also invited to witness the grand ceremony.Here are some pictures of the Independence Day celebrations across India:Photo:
Independence Day 2026: PM Modi leads India in commemorating 80 years of freedom | In Photos
India commemorates the 80th Independence Day, a red-letter day in the history of India, with PM Modi leading the celebrations at the Red Fort complex amid patriotic fervour and multi-layer security












