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Independence Day 2026: Vande Mataram to Debut at Red Fort
India's 80th Independence Day on August 15 will feature the first rendition of Vande Mataram at Red Fort, with youth achievers honored and PM Modi's address.
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The national song 'Vande Mataram' will be performed at the Red Fort for the first time during this year's Independence Day celebrations, the government said Monday. The rendition marks the 150th anniversary of the song, which played a key role in India's freedom movement.
Defence Secretary R K Singh told reporters the decision was tied to the milestone. 'Vande Mataram' will be sung when Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives at the venue. He will then hoist the flag and deliver the customary address.
This year's theme is 'Yuva Shakti' (youth power) and its role in achieving a developed India by 2047. Nineteen Indian students who won medals at the 2026 International Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematical Olympiads have been invited and will sit on the Red Fort rampart. Singh said the youth focus was planned before the recent student protests at Jantar Mantar.