India Celebrates 80th Independence Day from the Red Fort
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted the National Flag and addressed the nation from the Red Fort, New Delhi, leading India's 80th Independence Day on 15 August 2026 (independence: 15 August 1947). A distinctive feature was the inaugural choral rendition of the national song Vande Mataram, tied to its 150-year milestone (written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, c. 1875-76). The address carried a Yuva Shakti (youth power) theme aligned with Viksit Bharat @2047. It was broadcast on Doordarshan and streamed by PIB.
Vande Mataram by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay (novel Anandamath); National Song since 24 Jan 1950 | National Anthem 'Jana Gana Mana' by Rabindranath Tagore | First flag hoist at Red Fort: Nehru, 1947
PM Modi led India's 80th Independence Day from the Red Fort on 15 Aug 2026, with an inaugural Vande Mataram choral rendition marking the national song's 150th year and a Yuva Shakti theme.