For the first time on Independence Day function at Red Fort on Aug 15 this year, Vande Mataram will be sung before the unfurling of Tricolour and the National Anthem, and over 27,000 dignitaries, visitors and students will have to stand during the playing of the national song, defence secretary Rajesh Kumar announced during a briefing on Monday.The floral decoration will showcase ‘Vande Mataram’, with a total of 2,500 boy and girl cadets of NCC and My Bharat volunteers forming Vande Mataram’ on Gyanpath opposite the Rampart. A Mi-17 helicopter of the Indian Air Force will carry a banner commemorating 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’, and shower flower petals over the people gathered at Red Fort. NCC cadets and My Bharat volunteers will form Vande Mataram on ground.
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The I-Day celebrations 2026 will also acknowledge the success of youth in different spheres. Achievements of 19 medalist students of International physics, chemistry, biology and mathematical Olympiad 2026 is an example of the success of Yuva Shakti in the field of science. They have been invited for the function and will be seated on the rampart.View cutters in the backdrop will showcase India’s progress in nuclear and space technology, with the floral decoration at the Guard of Honour area depicting India’s journey to Viksit Bharat at 2047.Approx. 5,000 special guests, who are achievers from different walks of life and are guiding the country in its Viksit Bharat journey, have been invited as Special Guests for the celebrations.
