For the first time in history, the Vande Mataram anthem was performed from the ramparts of the Red Fort during the celebration of Independence Day on Saturday, marking the 150th anniversary of the nation's national anthem.
The event also featured 2500 NCC cadets and MY Bharat volunteers who formed the inscription 'Vande Mataram' on the grounds. Approximately 5000 achievers and local workers were invited as special guests to the celebrations.
In the sports sphere, Independence Day marked an important milestone for the Indian cricket team in Sri Lanka on Saturday, as players and staff observed the day ahead of the historic 600th Test match.
Head coach Gautam Gambhir, captain Shubman Gill, and members of the Indian team hoisted the tricolor in Galle before this landmark match, merging the Independence Day celebration with a significant moment in the history of Indian Test cricket.
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat stated on Saturday that democracy allows for the existence of various and even contradictory viewpoints, but such expressions must not harm the Constitution or the socio-cultural foundation of the country.
At the flag hoisting ceremony in Nagpur, Bhagwat noted: 'We are democracy, and there will be dialogue, debates, arguments, and counterarguments. This difference is an expression of unity.'
