In a historic first, the national song 'Vande Mataram' will be sung during the Independence Day celebrations at the iconic Red Fort on August 15, while the event's theme will focus on the contribution of youth power towards making India a developed nation by 2047, the government announced on Monday.
Defence Secretary RK Singh, addressing a press conference, said the plan to celebrate the success and contribution of youth during the event "predates" the students' protest at Jantar Mantar.
"Youths are a critical part of our journey towards Viksit Bharat because they will both be contributing to it and will be hopefully gaining from it. That is the only reason," he said.
"The plan to celebrate the success and contribution of youth at the Independence Day celebrations predates any other event," Singh said.
"I can assure you that this planning predates the Jantar Mantar agitation," he added.
India will mark its 80th Independence Day on August 15, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading the celebrations from the Red Fort in Delhi.
Singh stated that as 2026 marks 150 years of 'Vande Mataram', the national song that inspired millions during the freedom struggle will be sung from the ramparts of the Red Fort for the first time as a tribute to its enduring legacy.
'Vande Mataram' will be sung upon the prime minister's arrival at the Red Fort. Thereafter, he will unfurl the national flag and deliver the customary address to the nation, according to the defence secretary.
The celebrations this year will also commemorate 'Yuva Shakti' (youth power), acknowledging the contribution of young India towards building a 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047, he added.
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 the Red Fort.
In response to a question, the defence secretary said Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has been invited to the event and that seating arrangements for invitees will be strictly followed as per the Table of Precedence (ToP).
Singh said that as per the ToP, Gandhi's seat will be after the cabinet ministers.
The Independence Day celebrations will acknowledge the success of youth in different spheres, another defence ministry official said.
"Achievements of 19 medallist 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," the official said.
Approximately 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, he said.
The invitation cards for the main event this year showcase 'Seva Teerth' to motivate people to move forward with dedication for the well-being of every citizen, the official said.
"Dharm Chakra on the invitation card symbolises the eternal movement of righteous duty and continuous selfless action," he said.
PM Modi, while dedicating 'Seva Teerth' to the nation, said that it stands as a "radiant and powerful symbol of duty, compassion and commitment to the principle of nation first, the official pointed out.
To end VIP culture and underscore the importance of water conservation, the seating enclosures were named after rivers for the Republic Day celebrations, the official said.
For the Independence Day celebrations, the seating enclosures have been named after major lakes of India, he added.
(With inputs from PTI)