India’s 79th Independence Day at Red Fort to honour grassroots champions for women and children’s welfare, and gallantry awardees from police, fire, and defence services across the nation….reports Asian Lite News
India will mark its 79th Independence Day on Friday with a grand ceremony at the Red Fort in Delhi, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will unfurl the National Flag and address the nation from the historic monument’s ramparts. This year’s celebrations will not only showcase the nation’s pride and unity but also shine a spotlight on individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to society—both on the grassroots front and in uniformed service.
A key feature of this year’s event will be the presence of 171 “Special Guests” who have worked relentlessly to empower women and children across the country. The invitees include Anganwadi workers and supervisors, children from CCIS and PM CARES, Child Development Project Officers (CDPOs), District Child Protection Officers (DCPOs), staff of One Stop Centres (OSCs), and officials from the Department of Women and Child Development in states and Union territories.
The government says these guests represent the spirit of community service and the quiet but powerful transformation taking place at the grassroots level. Their work includes delivering essential services to women and children in remote and underserved areas, protecting vulnerable individuals from abuse, and expanding access to health, nutrition, and education.
During their stay in the capital from August 13 to 16, the Special Guests will also experience guided visits to prominent national landmarks, including the Parliament House, Pradhan Mantri Sangrahalaya, Kartavya Path, and other monuments of historical significance. These visits are designed to give them a deeper connection to India’s democratic and cultural heritage.
Union Minister of Women and Child Development Annapurna Devi praised their work, calling them “living examples” of Prime Minister Modi’s vision that nation-building begins with empowering women and nurturing children. “Through their selfless work at the grassroots, they bring hope, dignity, and opportunity to countless families. Recognising them this Independence Day is our way of celebrating their dedication to shaping a stronger and more inclusive Bharat,” she said.
Nation Honours Gallantry and Distinguished Service
Alongside the recognition of grassroots workers, the government has announced that a total of 1,090 personnel from the police, fire services, Home Guard and Civil Defence, and Correctional Services will receive Gallantry and Service Medals on the occasion of Independence Day 2025.
The honours include 233 Medal for Gallantry (GM), 99 President’s Medal for Distinguished Service (PSM), and 758 Medal for Meritorious Service (MSM). These awards acknowledge the courage, dedication, and commitment of personnel who work tirelessly—often in dangerous and challenging conditions—to protect citizens and uphold the law.
The Medal for Gallantry recognises rare or conspicuous acts of bravery in saving lives, protecting property, preventing crime, or apprehending criminals, with due consideration for the risks undertaken. This year, of the 233 gallantry awards, 152 have gone to personnel from Jammu and Kashmir, 54 from Left Wing Extremism-affected areas, three from the North-East, and 24 from other regions. The recipients include 226 police personnel, six from Fire Services, and one from Home Guard and Civil Defence.
The President’s Medal for Distinguished Service is given for an outstanding record over a sustained period, while the Medal for Meritorious Service honours valuable contributions marked by resourcefulness and devotion to duty. Among the 99 PSM recipients, 89 are from Police Services, five from Fire Services, three from Civil Defence and Home Guard, and two from Correctional Services. The 758 MSM recipients include 635 from Police Services, 51 from Fire Services, 41 from Civil Defence and Home Guard, and 31 from Correctional Services.
A Celebration of Service and Sacrifice
The dual recognition—of community workers and security personnel—underscores the government’s broader Independence Day message that the strength of the nation lies in both its protectors and its builders. From Anganwadi centres in remote villages to security checkpoints in conflict zones, these individuals serve on the frontlines of India’s progress and security.
As the country comes together to celebrate its freedom, the Red Fort will once again stand as the symbolic heart of the occasion. Prime Minister Modi’s address is expected to reflect on India’s achievements, acknowledge its challenges, and set out the vision for the future. But for many of those seated among the dignitaries and special invitees, the day will also be a deeply personal milestone—a rare moment of national recognition for years of quiet, often unseen service.
From the grassroots champions bringing education, safety, and nutrition to children, to the uniformed personnel risking their lives to safeguard communities, this year’s Independence Day honours remind the nation that freedom is sustained not only by its leaders, but by the everyday heroes who work tirelessly to protect and uplift it.
