Independence Day 2026: 'Youth power' to drive celebrations at Red Fort

New Delhi: "Yuva Shakti" or youth power will be a key theme at the upcoming Independence Day celebrations at Red Fort, with the government showcasing the success of youth in different spheres.

Officials said that the decision to have Yuva Shakti as a theme for the celebrations is not linked to the recent student protests in the national capital and the decision was taken before the events took place.

"Achievements of 19 medallists of International Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematical Olympiad 2026 is an example of the success of Yuva Shakti in the field of science. They have been invited for the function and will be seated on the rampart," officials said.


Also read: Indian Independence Day 2026: 'Vande Mataram' to be sung from ramparts of Red Fort for the first time

Several youth achievers have also been invited as special guests for the 80th Independence Day celebrations, including young innovators, interns under the Prime Ministers Internship scheme and youth working with startups.

This will also be the first time that the National Song 'Vande Mataram' will be sung from the ramparts of the Red Fort. The national song will be sung upon the Prime Minister's arrival at Red Fort and again towards the end of the function. A Mi17 helicopter of the Indian Air Force will carry a banner commemorating 150 years of 'Vande Mataram', and shower flower petals over the people gathered at Red Fort.

As part of the celebrations, military bands will also hold performances across India this week. Around 5000 special guests have been invited for the celebrations this year, which include students from Delhi government schools who have been selected from various competitions. Besides, entrepreneurs, innovators and grass root workers have also been invited. The invitation card for this year's event will carry the symbol of 'Seva Teerth', the administrative complex that includes the Prime Minister's Office.