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'Attempt to stigmatise dissent': Opposition hits out at PM Modi over ‘dimagi Naxal’ jibe

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India Latest News: Top National Headlines Today & Breaking News | The Hindu

August 17, 2026
'Attempt to stigmatise dissent': Opposition hits out at PM Modi over ‘dimagi Naxal’ jibe

India is celebrating its 80th Independence Day with nationwide patriotic events, including the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign led by government officials. Security has been significantly tightened in Delhi, with Prime Minister Modi presiding over official ceremonies at the Red Fort.

India Celebrates 80th Independence Day with Nationwide Fervor

India is currently marking its 80th Independence Day, a milestone that serves as a profound reflection on the nation's journey since 1947. This year’s celebrations are characterized by a blend of deep national pride and a forward-looking vision, as articulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who noted that the collective strength of 140 crore Indians is propelling the country toward unprecedented progress across all sectors.

The Har Ghar Tiranga Movement

Central to this year’s commemoration is the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign, a nationwide initiative designed to foster a sense of individual ownership and pride in the national flag. Union Home Minister Amit Shah demonstrated his support for this movement by hoisting the national flag at his Delhi residence. By participating in this campaign, leadership aims to unify the citizenry, encouraging households across the country to display the tricolour, thereby reinforcing the symbolic connection between the people and their sovereign identity.

Security and Ceremonial Significance

As the nation prepares for the formal proceedings, the capital city of Delhi has been placed under a high-alert security grid. To ensure the safety of the celebrations, which are centered at the historic Red Fort, authorities have deployed over 25,000 police and paramilitary personnel. This multi-layered security infrastructure underscores the gravity of the event and the importance of maintaining order during a period of intense public gathering and national celebration.

Cultural Milestones at the Red Fort

This year’s official ceremony at the Red Fort will introduce a significant cultural addition: the rendering of the National Song, 'Vande Mataram'. This inclusion is expected to heighten the patriotic atmosphere, paying homage to the historical struggles that defined India's path to freedom. The integration of such traditional elements into the modern state ceremony highlights the government's focus on preserving cultural heritage while celebrating contemporary achievements.

Grassroots Patriotism in Jammu and Kashmir

Beyond the capital, the spirit of Independence Day is being felt in every corner of the country, including in sensitive regions like Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir. Students and young girls recently led a vibrant Tiranga Rally, organized by local educational institutions. This event not only showcased the enthusiasm of the youth but also served as a powerful display of communal harmony and national integration, proving that the message of unity resonates deeply across diverse geographical and social landscapes.

Looking Toward the Future

As India commemorates this 80th year, the mood is one of optimism. The emphasis on collective progress and inclusive participation suggests a clear trajectory for the coming years. By combining high-level state functions with grassroots campaigns, the nation is reinforcing its democratic foundations, ensuring that the legacy of independence continues to evolve in alignment with the aspirations of a modern, growing, and united India.

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