The Independence Day of India, which is celebrated religiously throughout the Country on the 15th of August every year, holds tremendous ground in the list of national days, since it reminds every Indian about the dawn of a new beginning, the beginning of an era of deliverance from the clutches of British colonialism of more than 200 years. As a tradition, Indian prime ministers have hoisted the national flag from the Red Fort and addressed the nation on Independence Day since 1947.
The Indian National Flag which is in use now was designed by Pingali Venkayya, a freedom fighter from Andhra Pradesh.
The Red Fort or ‘Lal Quila’
The Red Fort is decorated and people across the nation take part in this celebration. Prime Minister of India hoists the National Flag which is followed by the 21-gun salute, the customary address at the Red Fort. All eyes remain glued to the Red Fort in Delhi, which acts as the setting for Independence Day celebrations each year. The Red Fort or ‘Lal Quila’ is an icon of the freedom struggle in India
This year’s Independence Day will culminate the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ celebrations, which were launched by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad, Gujarat on March 12, 2021 and will, once again, usher the country into ‘Amrit Kaal’ with renewed vigour to realise PM Modi’s dream of making India a developed country by 2047.
To witness 77the Independence Day at Red Fort, Around 1,800 people from different vocations have been invited from across the country to be a part of the celebrations. The initiative has been taken in line with the Government’s vision of ‘Jan Bhagidari’.These Special Guests include over 400 Sarpanches of more than 660 vibrant villages; 250 from Farmer Producer Organisations scheme; 50 participants each of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Scheme & Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana; 50 Shram Yogis of the Central Vista Project, including the New Parliament Building; 50 each Khadi workers, those involved in construction of border roads, making of Amrit Sarovar& Har Ghar Jal Yojana as well as 50 each primary school teachers, nurses and fishermen.
Selfie Points for citizens
Selfie points have been dedicated to different schemes & initiatives of the government. These selfie points have been installed at 12 locations, including National War Memorial, India Gate, Vijay Chowk, New Delhi Railway Station, Pragati Maidan, Raj Ghat, Jama Masjid Metro Station, Rajiv Chowk Metro Station, Delhi Gate Metro Station, ITO Metro Gate, Naubat Khana and Sheesh Ganj Gurudwara.
Paving the way for digital India, all official invites have been sent online through aamantran portal (www.aamantran.mod.gov.in). 17,000 e-invitation cards have been issued through the portal.
To celebrate diversity of attire in the nation, 75 couples in their traditional attire have also been invited to witness the ceremony at Red Fort from each State/Union Territory.
Independence Day holds historical and cultural significance. Citizens celebrate Independence Day by organising cultural activities in school, colleges and their workplaces. At home, people watch patriotic movies, listening to songs related to India’s history and freedom struggle, and more. It is the day when people are filled with great enthusiasm and patriotism.