New Delhi: On the morning of 15th August, when the tricolor will hoist on the ramparts of the Red Fort, this time the faces sitting in the audience gallery will be different. Not only the politicians, not only the well-known personalities, but also the street vendor, the sweeper who cleans the roads and the ward boy who serves the patients in the hospital will also be present with the same dignity with which any big name of the country sits. This time, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hoist the national flag and address the nation on India's 80th Independence Day, and about five thousand special guests have been invited for this ceremony, most of whom are people who have brought about change at their level in fields like agriculture, education, sports and social service.
Who will be the VIPs of Red Fort on Independence Day?
This year's event salutes the hands that make the country a little better every day, but often stay away from the limelight. Street vendors associated with PM Swanidhi Yojana, sanitation workers of Swachh Bharat Mission and employees providing excellent service in Delhi Metro have been included in the guest list.
This time, the laborers who toiled in big national projects like Dutta Path and Central Vista have also been given special attention. The presence of nursing orderlies and paramedical staff working in Delhi government hospitals shows that every small step of public service is a part of the bigger picture of nation building.
A glimpse of innovation and youthful enthusiasm
This time the energy of youth and innovation will also be clearly visible in the ceremony. Interns who have performed brilliantly in the Prime Minister's Internship Scheme, young entrepreneurs emerging from the Start-up India Seed Fund and innovators associated with various government initiatives will sit in front of the ramparts and become a part of history. Presenting the picture of women empowerment, successful women entrepreneurs of PM Mudra Yojana, beneficiaries of PM Awas Yojana Urban and eminent scientists and researchers of the country will also be present. Apart from this, charioteers driving Bharat Taxi, beneficiaries of PM Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme and traditional artisans associated with PM Vishwakarma Scheme will also add to the charm of this festival. Bharat Taxi's 'Sarathi' who gives speed to the society, beneficiaries of PM Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme and traditional artisans associated with PM Vishwakarma Yojana will also be a part of this national festival.
When Red Fort will become 'Mini India'
This time the courtyard of the Red Fort will present a glimpse of the entire country. More than fifteen hundred citizens of different states and union territories settled in Delhi will participate in their traditional costumes and create a scene of unity in diversity of India. The foundation of this year's celebration rests on two themes, first, "150 years of Vande Mataram"which remembers the glorious journey of one hundred and fifty years of the national anthem, and secondly, "Youth power for developed India 2047"which underlines the role of youth in taking the country to new heights in the coming decades. Overall, the 80th Independence Day will emerge as not just a government function but a public celebration of the hard work and dreams of every common citizen. This list does not include only politicians or celebrities, but also common citizens, youth, workers and beneficiaries of the scheme who have brought about change in various fields like agriculture, education, sports, business and social service.