Punjab Newsline | New Delhi
The 80th Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort witnessed a historic moment on Saturday as the full version of ‘Vande Mataram’ was played at the venue for the first time after Prime Minister Narendra Modi unfurled the Tricolour from the ramparts.
The rendition of ‘Vande Mataram’ was followed by the national anthem, ‘Jana Gana Mana.’ The ceremony also featured a 21-gun salute, a performance by the Army band and a floral shower by Indian Air Force helicopters.
Amit Shah Calls It a Historic Moment
Union Home Minister Amit Shah described the full rendition of ‘Vande Mataram’ from the Red Fort as a historic and emotional moment.
Shah said the national song had been a powerful slogan of India’s freedom movement and that witnessing its complete version from the Red Fort 80 years after Independence was deeply moving. He said the historic moment left him feeling proud and emotional.
21-Gun Salute Marks Flag Hoisting
As Prime Minister Modi unfurled the national flag, the 1721 Field Battery (Ceremonial) fired a 21-gun salute using indigenous 105 mm Light Field Guns.
The Army band subsequently played the tune of ‘Vande Mataram’. Meanwhile, two Indian Air Force Mi-17 helicopters flew over the Red Fort and showered flower petals on the venue.
One of the helicopters carried the Tricolour, while the other displayed a flag bearing the words ‘Vande Mataram.’
150 Years of ‘Vande Mataram’
This year marks 150 years since the composition of ‘Vande Mataram’, giving the national song special significance during the Independence Day celebrations.
Prime Minister Modi also referred to the historic rendition during his Independence Day address, noting that the full version of the song had been played at the Red Fort for the first time after Independence.
The grand ceremony, featuring the full ‘Vande Mataram’, the 21-gun salute, Army band performance and aerial flower shower, added a historic dimension to the country’s 80th Independence Day celebrations.
