By Kavita Mistry 
At the Red Fort, the celebrations for India’s 79th Independence Day came with a touch of ‘Naya Bharat’. Guests found gift bags waiting for them — stamped with Naya Bharat, or New India, in bold letters and packed with thoughtful goodies.
Inside the white jute bag were a monogrammed towel, a matching cap with a Tricolour motif, a rain poncho in case of showers, and a water bottle. All of it was neatly in sync with the day’s theme: a confident, modern India showcasing both pride and preparation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the celebrations, arriving at the Red Fort to be received by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. He will inspect a Guard of Honour made up of 96 personnel from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Delhi Police. The contingent is commanded by Wing Commander AS Sekhon, with the Air Force coordinating this year’s event.
PM Modi will then ascend the ramparts to hoist the national flag, accompanied by Flying Officer Rashika Sharma. The moment will be timed with a 21-gun salute and a petal shower from two Mi-17 helicopters — one carrying the Tricolour, the other a flag for Operation Sindoor, the recent military success that’s also a focus of today’s programme.
Operation Sindoor’s logo is visible across the venue: on the viewing stand at Gyanpath, floral decorations, and even the invitation cards, which also carry a watermark of the Chenab Bridge as a symbol of a rising New India.
After the petals fall, the prime minister will address the nation. The program will conclude with the national anthem, sung by 2,500 National Cadet Corps cadets and ‘My Bharat’ volunteers seated in a formation spelling out Naya Bharat.
About 5,000 special guests have been invited, including members of India’s Special Olympics contingent, international sports winners, and Khelo India Para Games gold medallists.
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