On 15 August 2024, while India will be celebrating the day of its 78th Independence Day, it will be Prime Minister Narendra Modi who addressed the nation from the historic Red Fort in Delhi. This would be the first time it would be a celebration for something more than just how the country got freedom from colonial rule. It will go on to fulfill the vision of “Viksit Bharat @ 2047,” which will reaffirm their commitment to transforming India into a developed nation by their 100th year of independence.
The Theme: ‘Viksit Bharat @ 204
This year’s Independence Day theme, ‘Viksit Bharat @ 2047‘, goes in harmony with the long-term vision set by the government for the country, framing out a development where India is developed and self-reliant into a prosperous nation within, at least, 2047 when the country will complete a century of independence. There has been put an emphasis on many of the government’s initiatives in the enhancement of economic growth, encouragement of innovation, and social welfare.
In fact, PM Modi is likely to reflect on the accomplishments of the past year and set the road map for the next two decades as he speaks through his monthly radio programme ‘Mann Ki Baat’. The theme is suggestive of collective and continuous efforts required on the part of all the stakeholders in realizing the dream of a developed India in general and in the fields of technology, infrastructure, education, and healthcare.
This year, the celebrations at Red Fort will witness the participation of about 6,000 special guests from all walks of life. Invitees were handpicked to represent a cross-section of the collective progress of the nation and the success on various government schemes. The idea is growing Jan Bhagidari, the people’s participation, in this national celebration, which should be inclusive and represent the diversity of India..
This includes special invitees like students who have availed of the benefits of the Atal Innovation Mission and the PM ShRI. This is going to be the national saga of ‘Meri Maati Mera Desh’ through special volunteers of MY Bharat, the National Service Scheme, and young minds—innovation in service will be the face of India’s future.
In addition, participation includes tribal community persons, like artisans, and entrepreneurs assisted by the National Scheduled Tribes Finance & Development Corporation. The presence of these categories in the Republic Day celebrations mirrors the Government’s policy of ensuring that the empowerment of the marginalised sections occurs, eventually bringing them into the national mainstream.
This is because farmers, who are the backbone of the country, participate even more significantly. Beneficiaries from the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi, the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, together with members of Farmers Producing Organisations, will also participate. Dignifying this participation in such a mega event underlines the role of agriculture in the Indian economy and the government’s focused dedication toward empowerment and enrichment of the farming community.
The audience would also consist of some women achievers from among the Accredited Social Health Activist workers, Auxiliary Nurse Midwives, Anganwadi workers, and women who have availed of the various women empowerment programs under the Sakhi Kendra and Lakhpati Didi. Their presence will be a realization of the fact that it is the women who are the prime agents of social transformation and development, more particularly, in rural and urban India.
The Ceremony: A Display of National Pride
A celebration steeped in tradition and grandeur, the Independence Day ceremony at the Red Fort begins with the arrival of the Prime Minister. Prime Minister Modi will be received by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, MoS Defence Sanjay Seth and Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane. Thereafter, a general salute will be presented to the Prime Minister by a combined Inter-Services and Delhi Police Guard after which he will inspect the Guard of Honour under the command of the Indian Navy this year.
The ceremony will start with the National Flag, causing a sense of pride among all Indians. The 105mm Light Field Guns were synchronized with Lieutenant Sanjeet Saini along with Prime Minister Modi, while a 21 Gun Salute was given by the National Flag Guard in the form of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Delhi Police when the Tricolor was unfurled.
As the National Anthem sounds, two Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) Dhruv of the Indian Air Force will shower flower petals on the venue ‘marking the opulent moment. The display will be conducted by Wing Commanders Amber Agarwal and Rahul Nainwal.
Honoring India’s Olympic At Correct
As a special gesture, it has also invited the Indian contingent from the recently concluded Paris Olympics. Their very participation would be in recognition of the commitment they made, and their successes spurred the nation to succeed in all fields of human endeavour and to take up their challenge.
A Vision for the Future
The address of the Prime Minister will also be an important part of the whole celebration when he articulates the vision of the government for the future course of the nation. It is likely to focus on how to make India self-reliant, how to encourage innovation so that the development process of the country becomes sustainable. Government efforts are also visible through the presence of 3,000 awardees, winners of online competitions, from the Ministry of Defence, its tie-ups with MyGov, and the Akashvani in nation-building.