In a first, Vande Mataram to be sung before national anthem on August 15 at Red Fort

‘Vande Mataram’ will be sung from the ramparts of the Red Fort before the National Anthem during this year’s Independence Day ceremony, in what the government says will be a first for the August 15 celebrations.Briefing the media on preparations for the 80th Independence Day, Defence Secretary RK Singh said the sequence had been specially planned as India marks 150 years of the national song.“This is the first time we are doing it with that sequence. The sequence is that he (Prime Minister Modi) arrives on the rampart, then the national song is played and everybody keeps standing. Thereafter, he unfurls the flag and the national anthem is played,” Singh said.Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the celebrations at the Red Fort, unfurl the National Flag and address the nation from the ramparts. YUVA SHAKTI, GEN Z IN FOCUSThis year’s celebrations will also place a strong emphasis on ‘Yuva Shakti’, with young achievers and members of Gen Z getting greater prominence.The focus comes against the backdrop of recent student-led protests over examination irregularities and paper leaks, which have pushed Gen Z and young aspirants firmly into the national political spotlight. Nineteen medal-winning students from the 2026 International Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematical Olympiads will be felicitated and seated on the ramparts of the Red Fort.Other young achievers invited as special guests include innovators, interns under the Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme, startup founders, PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana beneficiaries, startups supported under the Startup India Seed Fund and MY Bharat volunteers.Students from Delhi government schools selected through quizzes and competitions will also be among the special guests.LOP SEATING TO FOLLOW TABLE OF PRECEDENCEThe Defence Secretary also clarified that the Leader of the Opposition will be invited, as in previous years, and seating arrangements will be made strictly according to the official Table of Precedence.The clarification comes after a controversy during the 2024 Independence Day celebrations, when Rahul Gandhi was seen seated several rows behind Cabinet Ministers and members of the Indian contingent that had participated in the Paris Olympics.The seating arrangement had sparked criticism because the Leader of the Opposition holds a rank equivalent to that of a Cabinet Minister in the Table of Precedence.VIKSIT BHARAT @2047 THEMEThe celebrations will also showcase the “Journey to Viksit Bharat @2047”, with visual displays around the Guard of Honour area highlighting India’s progress in sectors including nuclear technology and space.The invitation card for the ceremony will prominently feature Seva Teerth, reflecting the government’s emphasis on public service and the broader Viksit Bharat @2047 vision.The seating enclosures at the Red Fort will also be named after major lakes of India, continuing the focus on water conservation. The move follows the naming of enclosures after rivers during the Republic Day celebrations earlier this year.- EndsPublished By: Aprameya RaoPublished On: Aug 10, 2026 18:13 IST