Video: IAF Choppers Display Tiranga And Op Sindoor Banner, Shower Petals Over Red Fort
India celebrated its 79th Independence Day at the Red Fort. 2 Mi-17 helicopters showered petals, and PM Modi hoisted the flag.
As India celebrates the 79th Independence Day on Friday, a grand celebration was held at the Red Fort. In a display of patriotism and national pride, two Mi-17 helicopters of the Indian Air Force soared above the Red Fort, showering petals.
While one aircraft flew with the Tiranga and showered flower petals over the venue, another one displayed a banner of Operation Sindoor, honouring the valour of Indian defence forces, boosting the patriotic spirit.
The aircraft were flown by Wing Commanders Vinay Poonia and Aditya Jaiswal.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted the national flag at the Red Fort. Flying Officer Rashika Sharma assisted the Prime Minister in hoisting the Tricolour, after which flower petals were showered from two Indian Air Force aircrafts.
Upon arrival at the Red Fort, PM Modi was welcomed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth. He was also presented with a ceremonial guard of honour by a 128-member National Flag Guard, comprising representatives from the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, and Delhi Police. The inter-services guard of honour was led by Wing Commander Arun Nagar.
Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat before heading to the Red Fort.
This year's Independence Day celebrations are themed 'Naya Bharat', in line with the government's vision of achieving a 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India) by 2047. A striking visual representation of this theme was created by 2,500 cadets from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and volunteers from the 'My Bharat' initiative, who formed the 'Naya Bharat' logo while seated along the Gyanpath.
In a push to enhance Jan Bhagidari (people's participation), around 5,000 special guests from diverse backgrounds were invited to witness the celebrations at Red Fort . Among them were members of the Indian contingent for the Special Olympics 2025, international sports champions, Khelo India Para Games gold medallists, and farmers supported under the National Beekeeping and Honey Mission.
Other distinguished invitees included top-performing farmers, traders, entrepreneurs, students, and authors recognized under various government schemes such as PM-VIKAS, PM Van Dhan Yojana, National SC/ST Hub, SHREYAS, SHRESTA, PM-DAKSH, and more. Best-performing sarpanches from Open Defecation Free Plus Villages and water conservation efforts under the Catch the Rain Abhiyan were also honoured with an invitation.
In a first-of-its-kind initiative, a series of band performances will be held across over 140 locations nationwide on the evening of Independence Day. Bands from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, paramilitary forces, NCC, and others will perform to celebrate national unity and commemorate the success of Operation Sindoor.
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