Happy 80th Independence Day: Schools, colleges hold cultural programmes; PM Modi greets nation

India is celebrating its 80th Independence Day today, August 15. For the first time, for Independence Day celebrations, 'Vande Mataram' was rendered at the Red Fort complex as the nation marks its 80th Independence Day, followed by the recitation of the National Anthem at the grand event.

As India celebrates its 80th Independence Day, schools and colleges across the country are gearing up for flag-hoisting ceremonies, cultural programmes and other patriotic events. Students will perform dances, sing patriotic songs and stage skits depicting India’s freedom struggle, while classrooms and campuses are being decorated in the colours of the national flag.

“Notably, security arrangements at the Red Fort have been strengthened ahead of the Independence Day celebrations, with a multi-layered anti-terror response plan and more than 1,000 CCTV cameras equipped with AI-based video analytics, a senior police officer said.”

PM Modi greets nation

On the 80th Independence Day celebrations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on his X account and addressed the nation. The post reads, "Warm greetings on the occasion of Independence Day. We remember with gratitude the countless freedom fighters whose courage, sacrifice and unwavering commitment ensured the end of colonial rule. Their dreams continue to inspire us as we work together to build a Viksit Bharat."

PM Modi's message on 80th Independence Day

It further reads, "Powered by 140 crore Indians, our nation is scaling new heights of progress across different sectors. May this journey keep progressing at an even greater pace in the times to come."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his Independence Day address, highlighted the expansion of India’s education and healthcare infrastructure, saying the number of universities has risen from around 350 before 2013 to more than 650 now. He also said medical seats have doubled compared to 2014.

PM Modi highlighted the role of Atal Tinkering Labs in helping students learn innovation and technology. He also pointed to the growth of India’s startup ecosystem, saying the country now has more than 2.5 lakh startups.

On artificial intelligence, Modi said the government aims to make 1 crore young people AI-skilled over the next year. He also announced that free online coaching for students will be launched through digital public infrastructure. He did not specify which examinations the proposed coaching would cover.

Independence Day Celebrations 2026 in educational institutions

For celebrations, schools plan a series of activities including essay writing and debate competitions on themes of freedom, unity, and national pride. Many schools also organise special assemblies where senior students will speak about the sacrifices of freedom fighters and the significance of independence.

Additionally, colleges across the country host parades, guest lectures on nation-building, and community service drives to mark the occasion.

‘School Theek Karo’ campaign

Meanwhile, earlier this week Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) announced to launch 'School Theek Karo' campaign on August 15. However, ahead of the launch, official Instagram handle of CJP has been taken down.

The campaign will focus on rural schools. Dipke and his supporters will visit villages and talk to sarpanches to improve school infrastructure and facilities. “We start a new campaign on 15 August where we will go to every village. I will go to my village and ask the sarpanch to improve the school facilities,” Dipke said. He alleged that government schools have been neglected for years