HISTORIC FIRST: NATIONAL SONG 'VANDE MATARAM' RENDERED AT RED FORT AS PM MODI LEADS 80TH INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATIONS

To Commemorate 150 years of the iconic National Song, 'Vande Mataram' was performed for the first time in Independence Day history during the ceremonial proceedings at the historic ramparts.

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at the historic Red Fort on Saturday morning to lead the nation in celebrating its 80th Independence Day.

Upon arrival, the Prime Minister was received by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, and Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. The Defence Secretary introduced the General Officer Commanding (GoC), Delhi Area, Lieutenant General Rajesh Sethi, who conducted PM Modi to the Saluting Base to receive the general salute and inspect the ceremonial Inter-Services and Delhi Police Guard of Honour.

In a landmark moment for India’s national celebrations, the National Song Vande Mataram was formally rendered from the ramparts of the Red Fort for the very first time. Marking 150 years of the historic song that inspired India’s freedom movement, the rendition was played by the Army Band immediately after Prime Minister Modi hoisted the Tricolour alongside a synchronized 21-gun salute.

Simultaneously, two Indian Air Force Mi-17 helicopters flew over the gathering, with one displaying a special banner commemorating 150 years of Vande Mataram while showering fresh flower petals across the venue.

Aligning with this year's central themes—'150 Years of Vande Mataram' and 'Yuva Shakti for Viksit Bharat@2047'—over 2,500 National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets and MY Bharat volunteers formed the words 'वंदे मातरम्' along Gyanpath opposite the ramparts.

Following the historic musical tribute and flag hoisting, Prime Minister Modi addressed the nation, outlining strategic initiatives to empower India's youth and propel the country toward becoming a developed nation by 2047.