Stage is set for India’s 77th Independence Day celebrations on August 15, 2023 when their Prime Minister, Narendra Modi will unfurl the national flag and deliver the customary address to the nation from the ramparts of the historic Red Fort in capital Delhi.
The Prime Minister’s unfurling the national flag will be synchronised with the 21 Gun Salute by the valiant gunners of India’s elite 8711 Field Battery (Ceremonial).
Several thousand people are expected to join the 1,800 people invited as Special Guests to witness the ceremony in the early hours of Tuesday morning, which is a national holiday in the country.
Red Fort (‘Lal Quila’) from where traditionally all prime ministers – starting with Jawaharlal Nehru, give their independence day speech, is an emblem of strength in India’s fight for freedom.
The day commemorates India’s attainment of freedom from the 200-year British colonial rule and remembers the sacrifice of freedom fighters who fought for our country’s independence. Several institutions and iconic buildings across the country are illuminated in the colours of the national flag on this day.
This year India will be celebrating its 77th Independence Day, marking 76 years of freedom. The theme for this year’s celebration is “Nation First, Always First” as a part of the wider “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav” celebration.
In a tweet yesterday, Indian Prime Minister urged the people of India to change their social media display pictures to the tricolour flag as a gesture for the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ (‘Triclour in every home’) campaign.
India’s tricolour national flag was adopted in its present form during the meeting of the Constituent Assembly held on 22 July 1947 – just days before attainment of freedom.
The three colours of the flag – Orange, White and Green have real significance and profound meaning.
Orange (saffron) stripe on top is a symbol of courage, sacrifice and spirit of renunciation. White in the middle signifies purity, peace, and truth, whereas Green at bottom symbolises fertility and growth.
The Ashok Chakra (dharam chakra) at centre of white strip depicts the wheel of righteousness. It has 24 spokes and represents pursuit of truth, righteousness and embodies the idea of motion – desire to move forward as a nation.
In New Zealand, the Independence Day will be celebrated at the premises of India’s High Commission at Wellington on 15 August at 9.15am and everyone is invited to participate.
