NEW DELHI, August 15 — India celebrated its 80th Independence Day on Saturday, August 15, with the national flag hoisted at the Red Fort and military parades held across state capitals.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort for the 13th consecutive time. The theme for this year's celebrations is "Yuva Shakti for Viksit Bharat@2047," focusing on the role of youth in achieving a developed nation by the centenary of independence. For the first time during the ceremony, the national song "Vande Mataram" was officially played alongside the national anthem.
Various government departments organized local exhibitions and cultural programs under the "Meri Maati Mera Desh" campaign.
National days and patriotic milestones are standard general studies topics. Candidates should know that India gained independence from British rule on August 15, 1947, and August 15, 2026, marks the 80th Independence Day.