Everyone present here to be a part of the 80th Independence Day celebrations feels proud to connect with this festival of national independence. Special guests invited on the occasion of our Independence Day are present on the ramparts of the Red Fort, including winners of the International Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology Olympiads. Our colleague Veronika is also present on the ramparts of the Red Fort with these winners. So let's go straight to Veronika.
Hello, good morning India. Heartiest greetings to all of you on the 80th Independence Day. Today is the great festival of freedom—the freedom that we received through the immortal sacrifices, dedication, and wisdom of countless brave men and women. We bow to them today. They laid the foundation of today's India. This Red Fort standing behind me is a witness to this glorious history. In the year 1947, independent India's first tricolor was unfurled right here, a tricolor that signifies that courage, peace, and progress walk hand in hand. Today's India is moving forward rapidly. Our dream is a developed India, and our youth today are making a crucial contribution to this. Present with us today are young achievers who are living examples of this. You are a gold medalist in the Chemistry Olympiad, so today we would like to know from you how you are contributing to this dream of a developed India.
Hello, I am Harshit Singla. I am a resident of Punjab and a student of class 12th. This year I represented India at the International Chemistry Olympiad in a four-member team. This year our team won four gold medals, which happened for the first time in India's history. India had been participating in the Chemistry Olympiad for 27 years, and India came first for the first time, jointly with China, Russia, and Vietnam. So it was a matter of great pride for us that I was part of the team where we took the country to number one. The government played a very crucial role in this because the HBCSE, which comes under the Department of Atomic Energy, provided us all the training and support, and because of them we have been able to reach here today.
Many congratulations to you.
And we also have a winner from the Physics Olympiad with us. What is one motivational tip that you would like to give our viewers today?
Hello. My name is Rashid Garg. I am from Delhi, and this year I won gold in the International Physics Olympiad. I have one motivational tip for all my friends: whatever you like doing, please devote all your time to it. Do not hold any fear and fulfill your dream. Thank you.
Thank you. Congratulations once again. Along with Physics and Chemistry, the Mathematics Olympiad has also brought glory to our country. Quickly, as we wrap up, what is one message to the youngsters that you have?
The message would simply be that you study with complete dedication, and as for the results, don't worry too much about them.
So just keep doing your duty and don't worry about the fruits. We continue the chain of celebrations and head straight over to Priyadarshini.
And as we celebrate the extraordinary spirit of our young Olympians, we now turn our attention back to the celebration of independence, one that belongs to an entire nation. And at the heart of today's celebration: Vande Mataram, one nation, one celebration. The spirit of Vande Mataram resonates far beyond these grounds. It is reflected in every fluttering tricolor, patriotic melody softly filling the air, and every heart beating in unison for the nation.
The majestic red sandstone walls of the Red Fort stand proudly against the morning sky, carrying within them centuries of history. Around the venue, in anticipation, rows of distinguished guests, citizens, children, and young people sit together, their eyes fixed towards the historic ramparts.
The historic Red Fort today appears decorated in a fresh splendor on the occasion of the country's Independence Day celebrations. The entire area around the Red Fort presents an ethereal picture of grandeur and patriotism. The arrival of guests continues uninterrupted. In the designated galleries, '150 Years of Vande Mataram' and 'Youth Power for Viksit Bharat 2047' are the themes of this year's Independence Day celebrations. More than 5,000 distinguished guests have been invited for today's Independence Day celebrations. During today's ceremony, the national song Vande Mataram, which inspired millions of Indians during the country's freedom struggle, will also be sung for the first time from the ramparts of the Red Fort, and everyone present in the Red Fort premises will collectively sing Vande Mataram.
The audience remains immersed in an atmosphere of pride, hope, and unity. Conversations soften, cameras capture memorable moments, and every passing minute adds to the growing excitement. Today we celebrate not merely the anniversary of our independence, but the enduring spirit of a nation that continues to rise with confidence, determination, and collective strength. This is India: diverse in language, culture, traditions, and faith.
Right in front of the ramparts of the Red Fort at Gyanpath, NCC cadets and MY Bharat volunteers are present. Our colleague Amit Arora is also present at Gyanpath, looking very happy and excited with the atmosphere there. So let's go over to Amit Arora at Gyanpath.
Mataram. Heartiest congratulations to all of you on the auspicious occasion of the 80th Independence Day. This magnificent Red Fort has been a witness to India's history. After a long struggle, on August 15, 1947, our beloved country India became free. First of all, we would like to bow to all the freedom fighters whose valor and sacrifice gave us freedom. Today, as we celebrate this national festival, our hearts are filled with pride, enthusiasm, and joy. The ramparts of the Red Fort are drenched in the colors of the tricolor, fragrant with flowers, and the morning sun's glow seems to further enhance its beauty. Right in front of the ramparts of the Red Fort, enhancing the grandeur of Gyanpath, are our young friends from across the country, including cadets of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) and volunteers of MY Bharat NSS. The youth power has created a very inspiring visual formation of the words 'Vande Mataram' in Devanagari script. This is not merely a formation; it is the gratitude of youth power towards the motherland, an expression of patriotism, and a salutation to Mother Earth. Vande Mataram is the pride of India's past and an inspiration for the future. The nation has taken a pledge that by the year 2047, when India celebrates 100 years of independence, India will be known as a developed nation, and youth power plays a crucial role in achieving this pledge. It is noteworthy that the Indian national song Vande Mataram completes 150 years, and therefore today, for the first time in the Independence Day celebrations, Vande Mataram will be performed. Bankim Chandra Chatterjee composed Vande Mataram. Vande Mataram became the inspiration for India's freedom struggle; Vande Mataram awakens courage and collective strength.
Vande Mataram. Sujalam, suphalam, malayaja sheetalam, shasya shyamalam, Mataram. Vande Mataram. Shubhrajyotsna pulakitayaminim, phullakusumita drumadala shobhinim, suhasinim sumadhura bhashinim, sukhadam varadam, Mataram. Vande Mataram. Koti-koti-kantha-kalakalaninada-karale, koti-koti-bhujairdhrita-khara-karavale, ke bole ma tumi abale, bahubaladharinim namami tarinim, ripu-dala-varinim, Mataram. Vande Mataram. Tumi vidya, tumi dharma, tumi hridi, tumi marma, tvam hi pranah sharire, bahute tumi ma shakti, hridaye tumi ma bhakti, tomarai pratima gadi mandire mandire. Vande Mataram. Tvam hi Durga dashapraharanadharini, Kamala kamaladalaviharini, Vani vidyadayini, namami tvam, namami kamalam amalam atulam, sujalam suphalam, Mataram. Vande Mataram. Shyamalam saralam susmitam bhushitam, dharanim bharanim, Mataram. Vande Mataram. Vande, Vande Mataram. Vande Mataram.
Vande Mataram, a timeless tribute to the beauty, abundance, and spirit of our motherland. A special dedication there from Doordarshan celebrating 150 years of the national song Vande Mataram, a song whose words reverberate in our hearts, have inspired generations, and instilled nationalist fervor in all of us. The stage is set for the 17th-century massive red sandstone ramparts to bear witness to India's 80th Independence Day mega celebrations at the iconic Red Fort. And how does a pious and auspicious occasion like this truly become a national festival? It becomes inclusive and all-encompassing when the people of this great nation from all walks of life and from every nook and corner of the country come together in unison, sanguine and smiling, waving the tricolor. The Red Fort once again has welcomed the whole gamut of dignitaries, VIPs, specially invited guests, and an ocean of excited audiences for our Independence Day. This is the first time at the celebrations that the audience enclosures have been named after the great lakes of our country, showcasing the importance accorded to water conservation.
The enclosure named Shanti Sagar is for a 1,500-plus audience coming in from various states and union territories in their age-old traditions and regional attire, demonstrating a microcosm of India at the historic Red Fort. In this year's Independence Day celebrations, India's energetic youth power has been accorded a special place, underscoring the vital role of youth in nation-building and creating a developed India by the year 2047. These youth are the image of tomorrow's India, tomorrow's bright India; they are the flag-bearers of the future. In the enclosures to the immediate left of Gyanpath, distinguished invited guests are present. On Gyanpath, NCC cadets and MY Bharat volunteers are assembled. The buglers sound their call, often signaling in different ways. The most important signal is the arrival of the Honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort today and outline the priorities before the country, but before that, he will offer floral tributes to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, at Rajghat.
Nineteen students who won medals at the International Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics Olympiads in 2026 are present on the ramparts, whom you saw earlier. This is the youth power that feels immensely proud and delighted to be a part of today's celebrations. A beautiful multitude of hues, as bright as the happiness on their faces and the hope in their hearts. The people gathered here showcase a rich tapestry of culture and creativity, caste and creed, transcending regional boundaries and melting in sync with a unified sense of patriotism. And who better than our NCC cadets to talk about the love for India and her bright future? For this interesting conversation, let's go over to our colleague Amit.
Youth power is divine. The dreams and values of the young generation shape the country's future. Here at Gyanpath, we have young NCC cadets with us. Let's speak with them. Tell us, you have created such a beautiful Vande Mataram formation; what does Vande Mataram mean to you?
Sir, Vande Mataram is not just India's national song. Vande Mataram is a song that depicts India's history and its journey up to the present day. Today we are sitting here having made a formation of Vande Mataram in white and saffron colors. We are celebrating 150 years of Vande Mataram with immense pride, and we feel wonderful about it.
Indeed, a feeling of immense pride. The NCC motto is 'Unity and Discipline.' We would like to know what you learned in your NCC training.
Sir, NCC teaches us discipline, unity, and teamwork, which proves very helpful later in our voluntary organizations.
Yes, and India has taken the pledge of Viksit Bharat 2047. How do you see the role of youth power in this?
Sir, our role in this is very significant.
The role is very strong. I would request all of you to sing the NCC song for the viewers of Doordarshan.
We are all Indians. We are all Indians. Our destination is one...
As we thank our NCC cadets for that spirited and inspiring interaction, we are reminded that the strength of a nation lies not only in its glorious past, but in the dreams and determination of its young citizens. Freedom is not only measured by political independence; true independence is also reflected in a nation's ability to shape its own destiny, to innovate, to create opportunities, to empower its people, and to stand confidently on the global stage. Over the decades, India has transformed itself through the resilience and hard work of its people. From our farmers and scientists to our soldiers, entrepreneurs, and engineers, artisans, and workers, every citizen has contributed to building a nation that is increasingly self-reliant, confident, and future-ready.
Right in front of the ramparts of the Red Fort, personnel of the National Flag Guard are arriving to take their designated positions to the melodious tunes of the band in a disciplined manner. Today, the country is taking a new turn. The transformations that have taken place in recent years are in themselves new, incomparable, and unique. This is a positive change. Here, even the most vulnerable person in society feels a change within themselves. There is now a new hope, a passion to achieve something better, the enthusiasm to move forward, and high morale to hoist the flag of success. And now, we are advancing from being merely consumers to becoming producers and manufacturers.
And as we celebrate the spirit of freedom here at the Red Fort, it is fitting to reflect on one of the defining chapters of India's growth. Our journey as a country has been truly remarkable: from being a consumer of global products to becoming a nation that proudly designs, manufactures, and exports to the world.
