India celebrated its 79th Independence Day on 15 August 2025, marking 79 years of freedom, progress, and unity. The celebrations were held at the Red Fort in New Delhi, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted the National Flag and delivered his 12th consecutive Independence Day address.
Theme of Independence Day 2025
The theme for 2025 was “Naya Bharat”, which highlights India’s vision to become a developed nation by 2047 under the mission of Viksit Bharat. The Prime Minister, in his address, also paid tribute to the heroes of Operation Sindoor and urged the youth to actively contribute towards shaping the future of the country.
Special Guests of the 79th Independence Day
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Around 5,000 special guests were invited from diverse fields.
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The list included athletes from Special Olympics 2025 and gold medalists of the Khelo India Para Games.
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A large number of women Panchayat Leaders were invited, who have brought remarkable improvements in their Gram Panchayats, such as better infrastructure, improved public services, and inclusive community initiatives.
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Beneficiaries of government schemes like Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana (Gramin) and Lakhpati Didi received invitations.
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Invitation letters carried the logo of Operation Sindoor and the watermark of the Chenab Bridge.
Highlights of the Independence Day Celebrations
- The ceremony began with the hoisting of the Tricolour by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, assisted by Flying Officer Rashika Sharma.
- A 21-gun salute was given, and the Indian Air Force band with Agniveer musicians played the national anthem.
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More than 1,500 people in traditional attire represented the cultural diversity of different states and Union Territories.
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Around 1,000 winners of national-level competitions, including essay writing on Operation Sindoor and painting on ‘New India, Empowered India’.
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The Har Ghar Tiranga campaign once again saw citizens enthusiastically displaying the national flag at their homes, spreading the spirit of unity and patriotism.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Longest Speech So Far
- On 15 August 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made history by delivering a 103-minute Independence Day speech from the historic Red Fort – the longest ever speech by any Indian Prime Minister.
- This speech broke his own 2024 record of 98 minutes. Before Modi, the longest Independence Day speeches were by Jawaharlal Nehru in 1947 (72 minutes) and Inder Kumar Gujral in 1997 (71 minutes).
Shortest Speeches
- In contrast, some of the shortest Independence Day speeches were by leaders such as Nehru himself (14 minutes in 1954) and Indira Gandhi (14 minutes in 1966).
- Dr. Manmohan Singh’s speeches in 2012 and 2013 were also relatively brief, lasting 32 and 35 minutes respectively. Similarly, Atal Bihari Vajpayee delivered 25-minute and 30-minute speeches in 2002 and 2003 respectively.
PM Modi Second in Most Speeches Delivered
- The 2025 speech was Modi’s 12th consecutive Independence Day address, placing him second after India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, who delivered 17 consecutive speeches. PM Modi has broken Indira Gandhi’s record of 11 consecutive speeches.
Scientific Achievement: Tricolour at Ocean Depths
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Ahead of the occasion, two Indian aquanauts descended more than 5,000 metres below sea level in the Atlantic Ocean as part of the Deep Ocean Mission (Samudrayaan).
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They planted the Indian Tricolour at the ocean floor, creating a historic milestone and adding pride to the 2025 Independence Day celebrations.
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This mission is a collaboration between the National Institute of Ocean Technology and France.
- This achievement reflects the nation’s growing scientific capabilities and commitment to ocean research.
14 August – Partition Horrors Remembrance Day
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Partition Horrors Remembrance Day is observed on 14 August 2025. This day remembers the victims and sufferings of people during the partition of India in 1947. On this day, the nation pays tribute to all those who sacrificed their lives and endured unimaginable pain during the partition of 1947.
- In 2021, the Government of India decided to commemorate 14 August every year as Partition Horrors Remembrance Day to ensure that the sacrifices and struggles of that period are never forgotten.
Historical Significance of the Red Fort
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On 15 August 1947, the first Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, hoisted the national flag “Tiranga” at Princess Park near India Gate, followed by his historic “Tryst with Destiny” speech at the Red Fort on 16 August 1947.
- During the Mughal era, Akbar had shifted his capital to Agra, but in 1648, under the reign of Shah Jahan, Delhi was once again made the capital and Shahjahanabad was established, which is today known as Old Delhi.
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Shah Jahan laid the foundation of the Red Fort. In 1911, the British shifted their capital to Delhi and built a new city symbolizing Indian ethos and centralized authority.
- The fort is a masterpiece of Mughal architecture and a symbol of their cultural and artistic achievements. It was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007. The fort is also depicted on the back of the new 500-rupee note.
