Introduction
India, a proud nation, is commemorating the ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ to mark the 76th year of independence, celebrating seven and a half decades of freedom from Colonial Rule. The entire country is immersed in patriotic fervor, with various ministries of the Government of India, state governments, union territories, the armed forces, and the general public organizing a series of events to honor this significant milestone. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will lead the nation in celebrating the historic 76th Independence Day on August 15, 2022, from the iconic Red Fort in New Delhi. This article delves into the ceremony’s highlights and showcases the rich cultural heritage of India.
Prime Minister’s Arrival and Salute
Upon his arrival at the Red Fort, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will be warmly received by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh, Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Ajay Bhatt, and Defence Secretary Dr. Ajay Kumar. The Defence Secretary will introduce Lieutenant General Vijay Kumar Mishra, AVSM, the General Officer Commanding (GoC) of Delhi Area, to the Prime Minister. The GoC Delhi Area will escort Shri Narendra Modi to the Saluting Base, where a combined Inter-Services and Delhi Police Guard will present a general salute to the Prime Minister. Subsequently, the Prime Minister will inspect the Guard of Honour, comprising one officer and 20 personnel each from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Delhi Police. Notably, the Indian Air Force is coordinating the service this year, with Wing Commander Kunal Khanna commanding the Guard of Honour.
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Flag Unfurling and National Anthem
Following the inspection of the Guard of Honour, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will proceed to the ramparts of the Red Fort. There, he will be greeted by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh, Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Ajay Bhatt, Chief of Army Staff General Manoj Pandey, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar, and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhari. Accompanied by the GoC Delhi Area, the Prime Minister will unfurl the National Flag, symbolizing the spirit of India’s independence. As the Tricolour is unfurled, it will receive a ‘Rashtriya Salute.’ The Air Force band, led by Master Warrant Officer Raghuvir, will play the National Anthem, reverberating with patriotic zeal.
Flower Petal Shower and Prime Minister’s Address
Following the ceremony, flower petals will be showered on the venue in Amrit Formation by two MI-17 1V Helicopters from the 129 Helicopter Unit, the Nubra Warriors. Wing Commander Anand Vinayak Agashe and Wing Commander Nikhil Mehrotra will lead this awe-inspiring display. The helicopters will be followed by two Dhruv helicopters from the 111 Helicopter Unit, known as ‘The Snow Tigers,’ led by Wing Commander Abhijeet Kumar and Wing Commander KS Vishal. After the enchanting display of flower petals, the Prime Minister will address the nation, expressing his thoughts and vision for India’s future.
National Cadet Corps and Cultural Diversity
At the conclusion of the Prime Minister’s speech, the cadets of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) will sing the National Anthem, adding a touch of harmony and unity to the occasion. Around 792 boy and girl NCC cadets from different schools across the country will participate in this celebration of national fervor. Seated at ‘Gyan Path’ in front of the Red Fort’s ramparts, these cadets will showcase India’s cultural diversity by wearing traditional dresses representing the regions they come from. This gesture aligns with the message of ‘Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat,’ emphasizing the strength and unity of a diverse India.
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Honoring the Unsung Heroes and Artistic Tribute
Continuing the tradition initiated during Republic Day 2022, the ceremony will welcome unsung heroes who are often overlooked but play critical roles in society. Anganwadi workers, street vendors, Mudra scheme borrowers, and mortuary workers have been invited as special guests, acknowledging their contributions. Moreover, the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with the National Gallery of Modern Art, present the Kala Kumbh, a grand art project paying tribute to India’s freedom fighters. Five hundred master artists have crafted ten monumental scrolls, each spanning 75 meters. These scrolls depict historic events that shaped India’s journey to independence, preserving the rich tradition of narrative art.
Prominent Freedom Fighters and Cultural Display
The magnificent walls of the Red Fort are adorned with wall hangings showcasing prominent freedom fighters from different states and union territories. Each wall hanging reflects the cultural, natural, and religious heritage of the respective state or UT. These esteemed personalities include individuals like Pattabhi Sitaramaiyya from Andhra Pradesh, Moje Riba from Arunachal Pradesh, Kushal Konwar from Assam, and many more, who made invaluable contributions to India’s freedom struggle. The display serves as a fitting tribute to their indomitable spirit and sacrifices.
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Kite Flying Murals and Cultural Symbolism
Adding to the festive ambiance, murals depicting diverse colors, sizes, and techniques of kites, representing India’s Unity in Diversity mantra, are displayed at Meena Bazar. Kite flying, one of India’s favorite pastimes, encapsulates the joy and spirit of Independence Day, fostering a sense of togetherness and inclusivity.
Special Youth Exchange Program
As part of the Independence Day celebrations, a unique Youth Exchange Program has been organized between August 9th and 17th, 2022. Youth representatives from 14 countries, including the US, UK, Argentina, Brazil, and Nigeria, have gathered in India to participate in the festivities. Alongside attending the main event at the Red Fort, they will explore cultural and historical landmarks in Delhi and Agra, fostering cross-cultural understanding and strengthening international bonds.
Conclusion
India’s 76th Independence Day celebration at the Red Fort promises to be a grand tribute to the nation’s rich history, diverse culture, and unwavering spirit. The ceremony will honor the sacrifices made by freedom fighters, recognize the contributions of unsung heroes, and inspire unity among the citizens. With each passing year, India’s journey towards progress and self-reliance continues, manifesting in remarkable achievements like the indigenously developed Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS). As the nation rejoices in its hard-fought freedom, it embraces the future with pride and determination, upholding the values that make India truly incredible.
