'Naya Bharat' takes flight this Independence Day | Operation Sindoor to be hailed at Red Fort

2,500 cadets and ‘My Bharat’ volunteers will form the ‘Naya Bharat’ logo on Gyanpath, opposite the Red Fort ramparts.

India’s 79th Independence Day will unfold under the banner of 'Naya Bharat', a theme the Centre says embodies the nation’s drive toward prosperity, security, and self-reliance, with an eye on achieving Viksit Bharat by 2047. On August 15, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hoist the tricolour at the Red Fort and address the nation, in a ceremony choreographed as much for symbolism as spectacle.

Air Force at the helm

For 2025, the Indian Air Force takes charge of coordinating the national event. The morning will begin with a ceremonial Guard of Honour, a 21-gun salute, and a special flypast carrying both the national flag and the Operation Sindoor flag. PM Modi will be received by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, and Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh before being escorted by Lieutenant General Bhavnish Kumar to the Saluting Base.

The Guard of Honour and the salute

Commanded by Wing Commander AS Sekhon, the Guard of Honour will bring together 96 personnel—one officer and 24 representatives each from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Delhi Police. After inspection, Modi will take position on the ramparts, greeted by the chiefs of the three services and the Chief of Defence Staff. Flying Officer Rashika Sharma will assist in hoisting the tricolour, timed to the thunder of 105mm Light Field Guns from the 1721 Field Battery.

Voices, petals, and the ‘Naya Bharat’ formation

The unfurling will be followed by a ‘Rashtriya Salute’, the national anthem by the Air Force band, and a shower of flower petals. Modi’s address will give way to the National Anthem sung by 2,500 NCC cadets and ‘My Bharat’ volunteers, who will form the “Naya Bharat” logo across Gyanpath.