Historic first: 'Vande Mataram' echoes at Red Fort during 80th Independence Day
The national song was played by an Army band, and its chant resonated throughout the venue, celebrating the 150th anniversary of its creation
The 80th Independence Day celebrations at Red Fort were a historic occasion, prominently featuring the first-ever rendition of 'Vande Mataram' on August 15th, a moment that also marked the national song's 150th anniversary. Prime Minister Narendra Modi presided over the event, which included the national flag hoisting, the national anthem, and a spectacular flower petal shower by Indian Air Force helicopters. The celebration underscored the nation's enthusiastic forward march and commitment to new resolutions.
The 80th Independence Day celebrations at Red Fort were a historic occasion, prominently featuring the first-ever rendition of 'Vande Mataram' on August 15th, a moment that also marked the national song's 150th anniversary. Prime Minister Narendra Modi presided over the event, which included the national flag hoisting, the national anthem, and a spectacular flower petal shower by Indian Air Force helicopters. The celebration underscored the nation's enthusiastic forward march and commitment to new resolutions.
The 80th Independence Day celebrations at Red Fort were a historic occasion, prominently featuring the first-ever rendition of 'Vande Mataram' on August 15th, a moment that also marked the national song's 150th anniversary. Prime Minister Narendra Modi presided over the event, which included the national flag hoisting, the national anthem, and a spectacular flower petal shower by Indian Air Force helicopters. The celebration underscored the nation's enthusiastic forward march and commitment to new resolutions.
The 80th Independence Day celebrations at Red Fort, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saw 'Vande Mataram' being rendered, followed by the recitation of the national anthem at the grand event.
The ceremony also marked the 150th anniversary of the national song, written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee in 1875, with floral decorations on the ramparts depicting the national flag at the centre, flanked by 'Vande Mataram' in Hindi.
An Army band played 'Vande Mataram' as the guests sang the national song. This was followed by the Prime Minister hoisting the national flag, and then the national anthem was recited. As the tricolour received a 'Rashtriya Salute', two Mi-17 helicopters of the Indian Air Force -- one trooping the national flag and the other carrying a flag depicting 'Vande Mataram' showered flower petals at the venue.
“Today, we are all celebrating the 80th Independence Day. Today, the chant of 'Vande Mataram' resonates in every heart. Today, the Tricolour flies in every home and dwells in every mind; the nation is moving forward with enthusiasm and zeal, embracing new resolutions," the Prime Minister said as gave his I-Day speech.
"For everyone present at this ceremony today, this is also a historic moment. For the first time since independence, 'Vande Mataram' is resounding at the Red Fort on August 15th," he added.