New Delhi: Six thousand special guests have been invited to the Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort on Thursday. This includes the Indian contingent participating in the Paris Olympics, students benefiting from the Atal Innovation Mission, Border Roads Organisation (BRO) personnel and sarpanches of gram panchayats.

The Defence Ministry said the theme of this year's Independence Day is 'Developed India in 2047'. The celebrations will serve as a platform to renew the government's efforts towards making the country a developed nation by 2047.

6,000 special guests have been invited

He said that with an aim to increase public participation in this festival of national enthusiasm, about 6,000 distinguished guests have been invited to observe the ceremony at the Red Fort this year. These people are from various fields, including youth, tribal community, farmers, women and other distinguished guests, who have excelled in various fields with the help of various government schemes, initiatives.

Volunteers will take part in the event

According to the ministry, 'Students benefiting from Atal Innovation Mission and PM Shri Yojana and volunteers of Mera Yuva Bharat and National Service Scheme under 'Meri Maati Mera Desh' will participate in the event.' The guests will also include tribal artisans funded by National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation, Van Dhan Vikas members and tribal entrepreneurs, beneficiaries of PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana and representatives of Farmer Producer Organizations.

The ministry said that about two thousand people dressed in traditional attire from various states, union territories have also been invited to be a part of this grand ceremony. Three thousand winners of various online competitions organized by the Ministry of Defense in collaboration with 'MyGov' and All India Radio will also be a part of this ceremony.

Defense Minister will welcome PM Modi

Upon arrival at the Red Fort, the Prime Minister will be welcomed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth and Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane. The Defence Secretary will introduce Lieutenant General Bhavnish Kumar, General Officer Commanding (GOC) Delhi Area, to the Prime Minister. The GOC of Delhi Area will then take Prime Minister Modi to the saluting dais, where the joint inter-service and Delhi Police guards will give a general salute to the Prime Minister.

Prime Minister will inspect the Guard of Honour

After this, the Prime Minister will inspect the Guard of Honour. In the Prime Minister's Guard, the Army contingent will be commanded by Major Arjun Singh, the Navy contingent will be commanded by Lieutenant Commander Gulia Bhavesh NK and the Air Force contingent will be commanded by Squadron Leader Akshara Uniyal. Lieutenant Sanjeet Saini will assist the Prime Minister in hoisting the flag.