India’s 80th Independence Day brought together people across the country and the global Indian diaspora to honour the freedom struggle and celebrate the nation’s progress.
Across the world, Indian communities marked the occasion with flag-hoisting ceremonies, cultural programmes and community gatherings, reflecting the strong connection of the diaspora with India.
From the US to the UK and Libya, Indian communities marked Independence Day with patriotic events and cultural programmes. In Libya, a multinational skydiving event featuring the Tricolour set a world record, while Indian organisations across the US and UK hosted celebrations showcasing India’s heritage.
In India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unfurled the Tricolour at the Red Fort and delivered his 13th consecutive Independence Day address, outlining the ‘Sapta Dhara’ roadmap for Viksit Bharat 2047, with a focus on AI, semiconductors, nuclear power, manufacturing and defence.
This year’s celebrations centred on “150 Years of Vande Mataram” and “Yuva Shakti for Viksit Bharat@2047”. For the first time, Vande Mataram was performed before the national anthem, while indigenous guns fired the 21-gun salute. Over 2,500 cadets and youth volunteers formed a “Vande Mataram” display.
Indian diaspora celebrates Independence day
Indian Independence Day was celebrated with patriotic fervour across the world, as diaspora communities organised flag-hoisting ceremonies, cultural programmes and community events showcasing India’s heritage and global presence.
In the US, celebrations in the New York tri-state area included a Guinness World Record in Parsippany, New Jersey, where more than 1,300 US flags surrounded by Indian Tricolours formed “250” to mark America’s 250th anniversary. Flag-hoisting ceremonies were also held at the Indian Consulate and the UN, while the Tricolour was displayed at Times Square. Several US states declared August 15 “India Day”, and landmarks including the Empire State Building and Boston’s Prudential Centre were lit in Tricolour colours. The Federation of Indian Associations also hosted its annual India Day Parade on Madison Avenue.
In the UAE, Dubai’s Burj Khalifa was illuminated in saffron, white and green, highlighting the close India-UAE ties. The celebrations also extended to Libya, where three UAE-based Indians joined 62 other skydivers in setting a Guinness World Record for the most people jumping together with national flags from a single aircraft. The Indian participants carried the Tricolour during the August 7 jump, adding a patriotic touch to the record confirmed on August 14.
Indian High Commissioner to Singapore Shilpak Ambule hoisted the Tricolour at the Chancery on August 15 to mark India’s 80th Independence Day, with over 2,500 members of the Indian diaspora attending.
Ambule read excerpts from President Droupadi Murmu’s address, while the National Anthem, Vande Mataram and patriotic songs were performed. Students from Indian schools also presented traditional dances, showcasing India’s cultural diversity.
Indian communities across Europe, Asia and New Zealand marked Independence Day with flag-hoisting ceremonies, cultural programmes and patriotic activities. In Wellington, more than 500 members of the Indian diaspora and local friends joined High Commissioner Muanpuii Saiawi for the celebrations, which included the President’s address, Vande Mataram, the national anthem and cultural performances. Students and community members also participated in the “Har Ghar Tiranga” selfie campaign.
In Tokyo, students and community members presented patriotic songs, while the Indian mission noted special coverage by Japanese media. In Beijing, Ambassador Vikram Doraiswami hoisted the Tricolour in the presence of the Indian community and friends of India despite the rain.
In Moscow, celebrations began with floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi and included Vande Mataram, cultural performances and a community-organised bike rally. Berlin hosted musical performances featuring Indian classical, Rabindrasangeet and contemporary music, while Rome held a cultural programme and Vande Mataram rendition.
The Indian diaspora in the UK celebrated India’s 80th Independence Day with a series of cultural and community events across the country. In London, the High Commission of India marked the occasion with the ‘Suryapath Tiranga’ global relay of the Tricolour, followed by a flag-hoisting ceremony at India House. Another community celebration, supported by the High Commission and Indian organisations in the UK, is scheduled at Navnat Centre on August 22.
In Cardiff, a flag-hoisting ceremony was held at Cardiff Castle, which was illuminated in the colours of the Indian Tricolour. Organised by Indian Honorary Consul General Raj Aggarwal, the event was attended by Rt Hon Lord Mayor Michael Michael, UK Minister of State for AI Kanishka Narayan MP, Dr Dafydd Trystan Davies MS, Lord Lieutenant of South Glamorgan Morfudd Meredith, Cardiff Council Leader Chris Weaver, senior Senedd members, armed forces representatives and community leaders.
Community organisations also joined the celebrations. The National Council of Gujarati Organisations (NCGO) UK hosted an Independence Day programme and Bhajan Sandhya at the Sangat Centre in Harrow, while Navnat Vadil Mandal organised a celebration at Navnat Centre, bringing together a large gathering of senior citizens in a Tricolour-themed setting.
Several other Indian community organisations across the UK also organised events to mark the occasion, reflecting the diaspora’s strong connection with India. Further celebrations are featured on pages 16-18.
Modi unveils Viksit Bharat roadmap for 2047
Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered his 13th consecutive Independence Day address from the Red Fort, outlining a broad roadmap to make India a developed nation, or Viksit Bharat, by 2047.
The address centred on ‘Sapta Dhara’, a seven-point framework for economic, industrial and social transformation. Modi announced plans to train 1 crore youth in artificial intelligence, establish 7–8 semiconductor plants within two years, raise nuclear power capacity to 100 GW by 2047 and provide free online coaching for competitive exams. He also urged political parties to implement 33% representation for women in Parliament and state assemblies.
The celebrations marked the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, which was performed in its full ceremonial form at the Red Fort for the first time since Independence.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi placed technology and innovation at the centre of India’s growth plans, highlighting AI, quantum computing, space technology, robotics and data centres. He announced a programme to train one crore youth in AI over the next year to prepare them for an AI-driven economy.
Modi also announced free online coaching for competitive exams and reiterated his vision of making India a global defence manufacturing hub, with a focus on hypersonic systems, drones and counter-drone technology. He also highlighted progress on the indigenous Sudarshan Chakra air defence system and plans to strengthen civil defence.
On sports, Modi said India is a strong contender to host the 2036 Olympics and announced a nationwide talent hunt for children aged 5-15. He said India aims to compete in at least 75% of Olympic events.
On semiconductors, Modi said production has begun at three plants, with five to eight more facilities expected in the coming years. He also set a target of 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047, with five new reactors planned this decade under the SHANTI Act.
Celebrities share patriotic Independence Day wishes
Indian celebrities marked Independence Day with patriotic social media posts, flag-hoisting pictures and heartfelt messages celebrating the country’s freedom, unity and progress.
Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Akshay Kumar, Priyanka Chopra and Toxic star Yash were among the many stars who extended Independence Day greetings to their fans across the world.
Amitabh Bachchan shared a video of himself holding the national flag and wrote, “Divas Swatantrata Ka; Shubh Din Badhai Ka! Vande Mataram”. Shah Rukh Khan posted a picture in a traditional white outfit and reflected on the colours, diversity and spirit of India, saying he was proud to be Indian.
R Madhavan and Kareena Kapoor shared Independence Day wishes, with Kareena posting a hand-drawn picture seemingly made by her son Jeh. Priyanka Chopra shared the Tricolour with a message of hope, while Yash honoured generations who fought for India’s freedom. Ajay Devgn, Anupam Kher and Preity Zinta also shared patriotic posts.
States mark Independence Day with grand celebrations
Gujarat celebrated India’s 80th Independence Day with Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel hoisting the Tricolour in Amreli and Governor Acharya Devvrat leading celebrations in Gandhinagar. Cities across the state held parades, cultural programmes and Tricolour illuminations.
In Maharashtra, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis led celebrations, while RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and others hoisted a 200-foot Tricolour in Nagpur. Nearly 1,500 NCC cadets marched through Mumbai’s Fort area.
Haryana saw state-wide events, including a 5-km Tricolour Yatra in Panipat that set two Guinness World Records. In Tamil Nadu, Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay hoisted the flag at Chennai’s Fort St George for the first time, followed by a guard of honour and state awards ceremony.
