Happy 79th Independence Day: 30 tribal students from Andaman witness celebrations; PM Modi greets nation

India is celebrating its 79th Independence Day 2025 today, August 15. Schools, colleges, and universities nationwide began the day by organizing flag-hoisting ceremonies, followed by cultural programmes, and competitions like painting, Independence day speech, patriotic song, and special sessions on the freedom movement and India’s way to independence.

A group of 30 meritorious students from the tribal communities of Andaman and Nicobar Islands will witness the 79th Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort, officials said.

The ministry of women and child development said Anganwadi workers, boys and girls from child care institutions, children supported under PM CARES will be among the special guests at 79th I-day celebrations . They include 171 grassroots contributors chosen for their exceptional role in empowering women and children across India.

PM Modi greets nation on Independence Day

On the occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his X account addressed the nation and urged everyone to work even harder to build a developed Bharat. "Wishing everyone a very happy Independence Day. May this day inspire us to keep working even harder to realise the dreams of our freedom fighters and build a Viksit Bharat. Jai Hind," Modi said.

He will be delivering his 12th consecutive Independence Day speech to the nation on Friday morning at Red Fort. A multi-layered security arrangement is in place, with more than 11,000 security personnel, including those from paramilitary forces and special commandos, along with 3,000 traffic police personnel, deployed for this week.

Delhi under multi-layered security

The national capital is on a high alert and under a thick security blanket for the Independence Day function on Friday, with snipers at high-rise buildings, heightened camera surveillance, and more than 14,000 security and traffic police personnel deployed across the city.

Surveillance through CCTV cameras, drone detection systems, facial recognition cameras, and ANPR (automatic number plate recognition) cameras is being used to monitor the venue and its surrounding areas, a senior officer said.

For the first time, under-vehicle surveillance systems (UVSS) are being deployed at five parking areas of the Red Fort to scan the underside of vehicles for explosives, weapons, or contraband, he said.

(With inputs from PTI)