Hyderabad: India celebrated its 79th Independence Day on Friday with grand national events, led by the flag hoisting ceremony by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Red Fort in New Delhi. An aerial display by the Indian Air Force (IAF), including a floral shower under “Operation Sindoor,” was among the highlights this year.
Modi arrived at the Red Fort around 7:30 a.m., where Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and senior officials received him. He reviewed the Guard of Honour presented by the three armed forces and Delhi Police before hoisting the tricolour with the assistance of Flying Officer Rashika Sharma of the IAF. The national anthem rang out as a 21-gun salute marked the moment.
IAF helicopters stage a floral salute
Immediately after the flag unfurling, two MI-17 helicopters of the IAF performed a ceremonial flypast. One carried the national flag, while the other displayed the “Operation Sindoor” banner and showered flowers on the gathering, symbolising the sacrifices of the armed forces.
Following the aerial tribute, Modi began his address to the nation from the Red Fort ramparts — his 12th consecutive Independence Day speech. The event saw participation from 2,500 NCC cadets and “Mera Yuva Bharat” volunteers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, who were seated in a formation depicting the “Naya Bharat” logo at Gyan Path.
Before arriving at the Red Fort, PM Modi paid floral tributes to the father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi, at Rajghat.
