NEW DELHI: As India marks 79 years of Independence, the nation begins celebration with an appeal for self-reliance and honour for its brave defenders. At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom, looking ahead to progress from the historic Red Fort.On the 79th Independence Day, President Droupadi Murmu urged the nation to follow the spirit of ‘Swadeshi’, while gallantry awards for Operation Sindoor heroes added a tribute to those protecting the country.
President Droupadi Murmu’s ‘Swadeshi’ appeal
On the eve of Independence, President Droupadi Murmu urged citizens to “buy and use Indian-made products” to strengthen the spirit of the Swadeshi Movement. Linking the 1905 movement, strengthened by Mahatma Gandhi, to present-day initiatives, she said, “The idea of Swadeshi has been inspiring our national endeavours like Make-in-India initiative and Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan. Let us resolve to buy and use Indian products.”She called on people to consciously choose local goods, emphasising that this would not only honour the legacy of the Swadeshi Movement but also empower millions of artisans across the country. The President also recalled how Gandhi promoted goods made through the sweat, toil and incomparable skills of Indian craftspeople.Referring to the recent National Handloom Day on August 7, she said it had been celebrated since 2015 to honour the country’s weavers and commemorate the Swadeshi Movement of 1905, which played a vital role in India’s freedom struggle.
PM Modi to address the nation from Red Fort
On the occasion of the 79th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hoist the National Flag and address the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort for the 12th time. His speeches combine reflections on key issues, future of India’s progress, and announcements of new schemes.This year’s celebrations carry the theme of ‘Naya Bharat’, symbolising a prosperous, secure and bold India, aligned with the government’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047. Upon his arrival, PM Modi will be received by defence minister Rajnath Singh, minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth, and defence secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, who will introduce him to Lieutenant General Bhavnish Kumar, General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area.The event will start at 7.30 am with official greetings from dignitaries, the national anthem and the ceremonial 21-gun salute.
Honouring the heroes of Operation Sindoor
On Thursday, the government announced gallantry awards for armed forces personnel, including those who played pivotal roles in Operation Sindoor and subsequent clashes with Pakistan.Thirteen officers of the Indian Air Force will receive the Yudh Sewa Medal, 26 the Vayu Sena Medal, and four Air Force officers along with two senior Army officers will be decorated with the Sarvottam Yudha Seva Medal. Awardees include Air Vice Marshal Joseph Suares, Air Vice Marshal Prajual Singh, and Air Commodore Ashok Raj Thakur. The gallantry awards also recognised S-400 crews and senior military planners behind the scenes of Operation Sindoor.In addition, 16 Border Security Force jawans will be recognised for “unmatched valour” on the Pakistan border during the operation. A total of 1,090 police, fire service, home guard, and civil defence personnel will also be honoured for gallantry and distinguished service.The operation was launched in retaliation for the Pahalgam attack that killed 26 civilians, claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF), a front for Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Operation Sindoor targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.