In a first, ‘Vande Mataram’ to be sung from Red Fort on 80th Independence Day

On August 15, India will commemorate its 80th Independence Day by singing the national song Vande Mataram from the Red Fort in New Delhi for the very first time. Defence Secretary R K Singh announced this during a press conference, highlighting that the year 2026 marks the 150th anniversary of the powerful patriotic anthem. The song, which inspired many during the struggle for independence, will be sung upon the arrival of Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the iconic fort.

Following this, the Prime Minister will unfurl the national flag and deliver his customary address to the nation. A Mi-17 helicopter of the Indian Air Force will carry a banner commemorating the 150 years of Vande Mataram and release flower petals over the gathering at the Red Fort.

Numerous military bands will perform at various locations throughout the country, beginning their performances on the same day and continuing until August 15. These celebrations will also honor the Yuva Shakti, recognizing the vital contributions of young India towards building a Viksit Bharat by 2047. Defence Secretary Singh emphasized the achievements of 19 medallist students of International Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematical Olympiad 2026, who have been invited to the function and will be seated on the fort ramparts.

The plan to acknowledge the youth's success and contribution to the nation's progress was in place even before the Jantar Mantar agitation. Approximately 5,000 special guests, including achievers in various fields, have been invited to participate in the Independence Day celebrations.