As India celebrates its 79th Independence Day, the celebrations at the Red Fort witnessed a powerful symbol of India's resolve, with a helicopter gracing the sky with the 'Operation Sindoor' flag. This is the first time the emblem of a successful military operation has featured in Independence Day celebrations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted the tricolor for the 12th consecutive time, watched the sky with pride as two Indian Air Force (IAF) Mi-17 helicopters passed over the ramparts high in the sky - one of which showered flower petals along with the Indian national flag trailing through, and the other carried the Operation Sindoor flag. Wing commanders Vijay Poonia and Aditya Jaiswal piloted the two aircraft.
This gesture was a tribute to India's successful Operation Sindoor, which was a swift, coordinated counter terrorism move carried out between May 7 to May 10 this year. With the operation, India targeted the terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir after the Pahalgam attack that took over 26 civilian lives. The Indian security forces hit upon nine terror camps, killing over 100 terrorists and striking at least 13 Pakistani military installations and airbases.
During the celebrations at the Red Fort today, the Gyanpath viewing area witnessed floral arrangements as well as the Operation Sindoor logo, which reinforced the theme of this year's Independence Day - Naya Bharat - along with the Government's vision of achieving Viksit Bharat by 2047.
The day's celebrations began with Prime Minister Narendra Modi paying respects at Rajghat before arriving at the Red Fort. He was received by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and other senior officials of the Indian Army. For hoisting the national flag, PM Modi was assisted by Flying Officer Rashika Sharma, after which the symbolic air display took place.
This year's event was kept a little more inclusive - with about 5,000 decorated personas across various fields invited as special guests from all over India. This included sportspersons, outstanding farmers, entrepreneurs, authors, as well as youth achievers.
Not only this, around 140 locations all over India will host military band performances by units from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Central Armed Police Forces, and various other organisations.
It is a part of the newly established tradition to honor India's Independence Day as well as the success of Operation Sindoor.
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