Historic first at Red Fort; Vande Mataram to precede flag hoisting on Independence Day

NEW DELHI: Vande Mataram will be sung for the first time at the Red Fort as part of the official ceremony marking the 80th Independence Day, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh said. The move comes in connection with the 150th anniversary of the composition of Vande Mataram.

Traditionally, the national anthem is played after the Prime Minister hoists the national flag at the Red Fort and addresses the nation on Independence Day. This year, however, Vande Mataram will be sung shortly after the Prime Minister reaches the podium. The national flag will then be hoisted, followed by the Prime Minister's address. The national anthem will be sung thereafter.

Vande Mataram has been included in this year's Independence Day celebrations after Parliament passed a Bill granting it the legal status of the national anthem. From August 8 to 15, military bands are performing Vande Mataram at 343 major centres across the country.

Youth power honoured

As part of the theme 'Yuva Shakti for Viksit @Bharat 2047', 19 students who have won medals at international Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics Olympiads will be felicitated.

The ceremony will also be attended by 5,000 special guests, including farmers, artisans, sanitation workers, women entrepreneurs, scientists, young innovators, start-up representatives and My Bharat volunteers who have demonstrated excellence in various fields.

Delhi Metro services will operate from 4 am on August 15 for the invited guests. The travel will be free of charge.