India celebrated its 79th Independence Day on 15 August 2025, marking nearly 79 years of freedom, progress, and unity. On this day, we pay tribute to the sacrifices of freedom fighters and inspire every citizen to move forward on the path of building a strong, inclusive, and vibrant India.
- India celebrated its 79th Independence Day on 15 August 2025 with the theme ‘Naya Bharat’. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted the national flag at the Red Fort, assisted by Flying Officer Rashika Sharma.
- On this occasion, a 21-gun salute was given. An Indian Air Force band with Agniveer musicians played the national anthem.
Chief Guests
- Invitation letters carried the logo of Operation Sindoor and the watermark of the Chenab Bridge. This year, about five thousand distinguished guests from various fields were invited to attend the ceremony at the Red Fort.
- These included the Indian contingent of Special Olympics 2025, winners of international sports competitions, and gold medalists of the Khelo India Para Games.
- Among this year’s special guests were a large number of women Panchayat leaders, who have brought remarkable improvements in their Gram Panchayats such as better infrastructure, improved public services, and inclusive community initiatives.
- They achieved notable success in implementing major government schemes like Har Ghar Jal Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Rural), and Mission Indradhanush.
Historical significance of the Red Fort
- On 15 August 1947, Jawaharlal Nehru hoisted the national flag “Tiranga” at Princess Park, followed by his historic “Tryst with Destiny” speech at the Red Fort on 16 August 1947.
- Despite the capital’s relocation (Akbar had shifted his capital to Agra), under Shah Jahan’s reign, the Mughals re-established Delhi as their capital along with Shahjahanabad in 1648, which is today known as Old Delhi.
- Shah Jahan laid the foundation of the Red Fort. In 1911, the British shifted their capital to Delhi and built a new city symbolizing Indian ethos and centralized authority.
- The fort is a masterpiece of Mughal architecture and a symbol of their cultural and artistic achievements. It was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007. The fort is also depicted on the back of the new 500-rupee note.
Indian aquanauts hoisted the Tricolor 5,000 meters below sea level
- For the first time, Indian aquanauts descended 5,000 meters below sea level to hoist the Indian flag. Minister of State for Earth Sciences Dr. Jitendra Singh informed that under collaboration between the National Institute of Ocean Technology and France, two Indian aquanauts marked their presence by hoisting the national flag in the Atlantic Ocean.
14 August – Partition Horrors Remembrance Day
- Partition Horrors Remembrance Day was observed on 14 August 2025. This day remembers the victims and sufferings of people during the partition of India in 1947. On this day, the nation pays tribute to all those who sacrificed their lives and endured unimaginable pain during the partition of 1947.
- In 2021, the Central Government decided to commemorate 14 August every year as their Sacrifice Day.
