A significant milestone was marked during India’s 80th Independence Day celebrations held at the historic Red Fort in Delhi on Saturday, where the full version of the national song 'Vande Mataram' was played for the first time at an official national event. The ceremony opened with the complete rendering of the national song, which was immediately followed by the national anthem. Subsequent to these musical renditions, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unfurled the tricolor and addressed the nation from the ramparts of the historic monument.
Commemorating a 150-Year Legacy
The inclusion of the full national song comes as India celebrates the 150-year legacy of 'Vande Mataram'. To honor this historical milestone, the ceremony prominently showcased the song throughout the proceedings. Approximately 2,500 National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets alongside volunteers from the 'My Bharat' initiative participated actively in the celebrations. Positioned at Gyanpath directly facing the ramparts of the Red Fort, these young participants collectively arranged themselves to form a human formation depicting the words 'Vande Mataram'.
Gyanpath Theme and Special Invitees
The Gyanpath area was decorated with prominent cut-outs illustrating the 'Viksit Bharat @2047' theme, representing the country's vision for its centenary of independence. The grand ceremony at the Red Fort was attended by nearly 5,000 special guests hailing from diverse walks of life, background sectors, and communities across the country, who witnessed the historic proceedings from the main enclosure.
Preceding Recital on Independence Day Eve
The presentation at the Red Fort followed an earlier inclusion of the national song on the eve of Independence Day. During President Droupadi Murmu’s official address to the nation on Friday evening, the full version of 'Vande Mataram' was played at both the commencement and conclusion of the broadcast. This marked the very first time that the complete version of the national song was incorporated into the official schedule of the President’s Independence Day eve address.
