Celebrating India's 77th Independence Day: Unity, Diversity, and Patriotism" Slug: independence-day-celebration-red-fort-2023

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the country in celebrating the 77th Independence Day at the historic Red Fort on August 15. Around 1,800 individuals with various occupations, along with their partners, have been invited from all across India to join in the celebration. This year's event also marks the end of the 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav' initiative that began on March 12, 2021. This initiative is all about boosting the country's efforts to become developed by 2047.

More people have been invited this time compared to last year. The invitation of around 1,800 'Special Guests' goes along with the government's idea of getting people involved. These 'Special Guests' include over 400 village leaders, 250 farmers from specific organizations, and 50 participants each from schemes like Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi and Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana. There are also 50 construction workers from projects like Central Vista, along with workers from areas like making Amrit Sarovar, building border roads, and providing clean water. Even primary school teachers, nurses, and fishermen are part of this group.

Some of these 'Special Guests' will also go to the National War Memorial and have a meeting with the Minister of State for Defense while they're in Delhi.

Additionally, 75 couples from each state and Union Territory are also invited, dressed in their traditional outfits, to be part of the ceremony at Red Fort.

Something cool about this year's event is the inclusion of selfie points related to government initiatives. These selfie spots are set up at 12 places, like India Gate and Raj Ghat. There's a selfie contest going on online from August 15th to 20th. It's on the Ministry of Defence's MyGov website.

When the Prime Minister arrives at the Red Fort on August 15, he will be welcomed by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, his deputy Ajay Bhatt, and Defense Secretary Giridhar Aramane. Then there will be a series of ceremonies involving these officials, the Prime Minister, and the armed forces.

This event also involves a special "Guard of Honour" with representatives from the Army, Air Force, Navy, and Delhi Police. They will show respect and honor to the Prime Minister. There will be music played by an Army band, and the national flag will be raised accompanied by a 21-Gun Salute.

When the flag is raised, helicopters from the Indian Air Force will shower flower petals on the venue. After that, the Prime Minister will give his speech.

As his speech ends, NCC cadets will sing the National Anthem. Around 1,100 NCC cadets from schools across the country will participate in this part of the event.

So, this Independence Day celebration at the Red Fort isn't just about the Prime Minister's speech and the flag. It's about people from all walks of life coming together, about showing respect to our nation's symbols, and about celebrating our unity in diversity.