Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Sunday (August 16, 2026) condoled with the death of a police constable who fainted during the Independence Day parade duty at Fort St. George in Chennai and died while undergoing treatment.

An official press release said that Mr. Vijay was saddened to learn of the death of A. Dharmaraj, a Grade-I police constable attached to the Drums Bagpiper band of the Tamil Nadu Special Police Training Centre in Avadi, who fainted while on parade duty.

Dharmaraj was admitted to the Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital for treatment and later died. Expressing his condolences to the bereaved family, Mr. Vijay ordered ₹30 lakh be paid as relief.

Thousands of people walked to the Red Fort early on Saturday morning to celebrate India’s 80th Independence Day, featuring a “Vande Mataram” theme and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address. For many, including families travelling long distances for their first time, the morning was less about the speeches and more about witnessing the historic ceremony in person.

Karuna and Sandeep, in their 30s, travelled from Karnataka with their children, Sayesh (7) and Avesh (5), to attend the celebrations. For Karuna, watching from the Red Fort was unforgettable. “This is my first time attending the Independence Day celebrations. I already have goosebumps,” she said as the Prime Minister began his address.

For Lalita Pal, who hoped to see Mr. Modi in person after her husband’s recent transfer to Delhi, the attraction was more personal. “We have travelled a long way, and what he spoke about children and their future was encouraging. Seeing the Tricolour flying made the whole place feel very patriotic,” she said, noting that despite the humid morning proving difficult for her young son, the family considered it worthwhile.

The celebrations also drew people unaware that entry required passes from the Ministry of Defence’s Aamantran portal, leaving queues stretching into the morning heat outside the Red Fort Metro station. As seats in the allotted areas filled and entry gates closed, some visitors were left waiting outside for more than two hours. Among them was Anita Devi, in her early 30s, who travelled from northwest Delhi’s Bawana by an early morning bus with her husband and son. Dressed in a green saree, she had not known a pass was required but decided to view the decorated fort from outside. “Even if I am standing outside, hearing the national anthem makes me feel proud,” she said.

For the first time, an Army band formally rendered Vande Mataram, with attendees joining in before the national anthem. The song was woven into the visuals; children in white and saffron formed “Vande Mataram” in their seats, while flower petals spelt it on the dais. After Prime Minister Narendra Modi unfurled the Tricolour, Mi-17 helicopters flew over, releasing flower petals to cheering crowds while carrying flags with national colours and Vande Mataram. Tricolour balloons were released post-speech. Mr. Modi later met schoolchildren, NCC cadets, and My Bharat programme volunteers, underscoring the government’s focus on “Yuva Shakti” and a developed India by 2047.

(With inputs from Shrimansi Kaushik)

The Red Fort and its surrounding areas were placed under an extensive multi-layered security cover on Saturday as Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation on the occasion of the 80th Independence Day. With thousands of police and paramilitary personnel deployed, more than 1,000 AI-enabled CCTV cameras monitoring the area, and specialised rapid response teams on standby, the Red Fort became a fortress until 10 a.m. on Saturday.

The security checks were put in place considering the bomb blast near the Red Fort in November 2025 as well as repeated hoax bomb threats ahead of Independence Day. Over 25,000 security personnel, including the NSG, were deployed across Delhi and around the Red Fort.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (North) Raja Banthia said the security plan involved multiple layers of screening, besides a dedicated anti-terror response mechanism. “Advance liaison, mock drills, and advance intimation have been carried out to ensure coordination among agencies,” he told media persons on Saturday.

Visitors were not allowed to carry anything except their phones and passes. At Lal Quila metro station, security personnel scanned belongings and strictly removed eatables, coins, remote-controlled car keys, umbrellas, power banks, and handbags, forcing many visitors to leave their belongings behind.

Control room personnel monitored live footage from the CCTV cameras, which used AI to flag suspicious activity, alongside a Facial Recognition System. Anti-drone systems were also deployed to detect unauthorised flying objects. “There was no threat reported during the event, and no aerial or drone-related disruptions either,” said Niharika Bhatt, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (North).

Traffic restrictions

Several roads around the Red Fort remained closed to general traffic from 4 a.m. to 10 a.m. on August 15. Delhi Metro services began at 4 a.m., operating at 30-minute intervals initially. “Nothing adverse was reported. The parking arrangements were made quite efficiently, and the dispersal of the crowd was very smooth,” said Nishant Gupta, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Traffic (Central).

The Tricolour had gone up over the Red Fort and the crowds had begun to thin. For Delhi’s citizens gathered to mark 80 years of Independence, what freedom meant today had answers far removed from history books.

For some, progress was visible in better infrastructure and technology. For others, it was more intimate: the freedom to walk home without fear, speak openly, or live without discrimination. And for some, eight decades after the British left, the question was whether the country had travelled far enough for everyone to feel free.

For Tanya Bahadur and Shikha Kumari, both 19 and Delhi University students, freedom was further shaped by student protests, online trolling, and the unease of speaking out.

“I have only read about people fighting the British. I have never seen that kind of struggle. But we have seen students protesting and girls being trolled even on the Internet. So I think there are still things we have to fight for before we can say that we are completely free,” Ms. Bahadur said.

Her friend, Ms. Kumari, hoped the Prime Minister would address recent protests. “He did not mention them, and I was hoping he would,” she said. “The things we need to fight now are inside the country in the face of corruption, inequality and whether everyone gets a fair chance. That is the freedom we still have to work towards.”

A few metres away, Mr. Venkatesh Sinha, in his 90s, watched the celebrations from a wheelchair beside his daughter, having witnessed much of independent India’s political history. “Economically, we are better off than before… But when I look at the poor, I wonder how much they have really moved up,” he said. He hoped the next generation could preserve freedom, adding, “I hope there are no more riots.”

Mr. Sinha attended the event in memory of his late wife. After her death a decade ago, he stopped coming. “She used to come every year. She was very patriotic…”

“I came today because I don’t know if I will be able to come again,” he said.

For a young Muslim couple, freedom meant living without constantly thinking about identity. “We all know how things have changed… there is more hatred in society. But we chose to come here today because it is our country that my grandfather sacrificed his life for. It is equally ours,” Aliza Khan, 26, said. Her husband said, “Freedom for me will be living peacefully with my family outside ghettos where civic amenities are not poor.”

For Bablu, a waste-picker, freedom required economic security. “The country has progressed, but our lives are still difficult… For us, freedom would mean not having to worry every day about whether there will be work or enough money at home,” he said.

Sharing a similar sentiment, fruit seller Md. Amzad, 37, said, “I want my children to study and get opportunities that I did not get. If they can earn well and live with dignity, I will feel that the country has truly progressed.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s youth-oriented announcements, including AI skilling and free online coaching, at the Independence Day celebrations at Red Fort on Saturday drew praise from many young attendees.

Chennai residents Prabakaran and Rudreshwar, who are part of a microchip fabrication project supported by the NITI Aayog, praised the push to include young people in science and technology. “The announcement about the government providing AI training to students is appreciable. It will help the growth of AI-based products and create a talent pool of skilled people needed to bring about an AI revolution in the tech industry,” said Mr. Prabakaran. Both were in the Capital for their project and were first-time attendees at the Independence Day celebrations at Red Fort.

Regarding the PM’s speech, Mr. Rudreshwar said, “It would have been easier if other visitors also had access to the audio equipment provided to foreign dignitaries for translation of the speech.”

Some also viewed Mr. Modi’s announcements against the backdrop of the youth-led protest at Jantar Mantar last month.

‘Paper leaks happen’

Seema Chaudhary, who attended the event for the first time with her two children, lauded the PM’s announcements.

Referring to the agitation over the NEET paper leak, she said young people should rise above such issues and focus on building their lives.

“The youth should rise above paper leaks and focus on doing well in life. Paper leaks happen in every government’s tenure. Students have to work hard even if it means appearing for the exams multiple times or choosing a different path in life,” said Ms. Chaudhary, adding, “I would advise my children the same.”

However, not everyone shared her views.

Outside the venue, Sachin stood with vials of saffron, white and green, ready to paint visitors’ faces in the Tricolour for a small fee. “I have appeared for police and clerical-level job exams. But I couldn’t succeed, so I turned to vegetable vending. If everything in the country is so good, why do people like me from marginalised sections struggle for education and jobs?” he said.

Mr. Sachin, a Dalit, blamed the “bureaucracy’s stranglehold” over the employment and education sectors for the struggle of those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Regarding the announcements on free online coaching, he said, “It would help only if the scheme’s benefits actually reach the masses.”

The 80th Independence Day was marked with patriotic fervour at the Mahatma Gandhi Temple situated in Shanti Nagar, Srikakulam district, on Saturday (August 15, 2026). People from all walks of life, along with children from various schools and colleges, offered tributes to the freedom fighters whose statues were installed in 2022 at the temple. Gandhi Mandiram-Freedom Fighters Smruthi Vanam chairman Surangi Mohana Rao, convener Jami Bhimashankar, coordinator M.V.S.S. Sastry, and others organised the event. Mr. Sastry stated that the association had taken another initiative to install a ‘Jai-Jawan-Jai Kisan’ statue on the premises to raise awareness about the contributions of soldiers and farmers to society as well as the nation. He mentioned that the statue would be unveiled very soon, as work was progressing briskly on the premises.

The per capita income of the Union Territory of Puducherry has now increased to ₹3,06,119 as a result of measures initiated by the government in the past few years, Chief Minister N. Rangasamy said here on Saturday (August 15, 2026).

Delivering his Independence Day address after hoisting the national flag during the celebrations held at the Beach Promenade, the Chief Minister said the government had taken several measures to improve the livelihoods of all sections of society.

Thanking the voters for re-electing the AINRC-BJP in the 2026 Assembly polls, the Chief Minister said his government was committed to fulfilling the aspirations of all people with the support of the Central government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Chief Minister, in his address, highlighted various measures taken up to improve the livelihoods of agricultural and dairy farmers in Puducherry. The speech also covered policy initiatives by the departments of Adi Dravidar, Fisheries, Education, Health, and Industries.

The government was taking various measures to improve the traffic situation and drinking water supply, prevent waterlogging, and provide more job opportunities for the youth. Administrative measures are being taken to recruit 74 junior engineers in the Public Works Department through a written test, Mr. Rangasamy said.

PRTC earns revenue of ₹200 crore

Steps taken by the government in the public transport sector have led to a rise in revenue. Under the PM e-Bus Sewa scheme, the Centre has sanctioned around 75 electric vehicles, of which 25 have already been purchased and deployed in service, the Chief Minister said.

In the financial year 2025-26, the Pondicherry Road Transport Corporation earned a revenue of ₹200 crore. So far in this fiscal year, the Corporation has earned a revenue of ₹59.09 crore. Under the Central Government’s Capital Investment Scheme, in-principle approval has been obtained for 132 new bus shelters in the UT, the Chief Minister said.

The territorial administration was preparing a Waterways Master Plan for the promotion of coastal trade in the UT. Steps are also being taken to deepen the mouth of the Puducherry Port to make it operational for cargo transport and improve fishing activity. Measures are under way to establish new power substations at Lawspet and Thavalakuppam, he said.

₹64 crore for Ekta Mall

Mr. Rangasamy also informed the gathering that the Centre has released the first instalment of ₹64.24 crore for the construction of Prime Minister’s Ekta Mall proposed for the promotion of local handicraft products.

After hoisting the national flag, the Chief Minister inspected a guard of honour provided by the Puducherry Police and witnessed an impressive march-past by the different wings of the police, fire services, ex-Servicemen, NCC cadets, NSS volunteers, and schoolchildren. The Chief Minister also presented various awards and witnessed cultural events.

Pro-tem Speaker A. Anbalagan, Home Minister A. Namassivayam, legislators, Chief Secretary Sharat Chauhan, Director General of Police Shalini Singh, and senior officials were present. Independence Day celebrations were also held at the UT’s enclaves of Karaikal, Mahe, and Yanam.

The Palakkad Railway Division celebrated the 80^th Independence Day with various functions at the Divisional Railway Manager’s office at Olavakode near here on Saturday.

Divisional Railway Manager Madhukar Roat hoisted the national flag and took the salute. Additional Divisional Railway Manager Jerin G. Anand, officers and staff attended the function.

Students presented cultural programmes highlighting India’s heritage, diversity and unity. Similar programmes were also held at major railway stations across Palakkad division.

Palakkad divisional railway manager Madhukar Roat inspecting Independence Day parade at the divisional headquarters at Olavakode near Palakkad on Saturday.
| Photo Credit:
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Mr. Roat paid tribute to the freedom fighters and said independence brings a responsibility to uphold discipline, integrity, compassion and public service.

He pointed out the division’s performance, including its second rank among 69 railway divisions across the country, its highest position since the rankings were introduced.

Passenger revenue has crossed ₹400 crore, while freight operations, passenger amenities, digital ticketing and grievance redressal were also strengthened, said Mr. Roat.

The division received the Rail Madad Shield for the third consecutive year for its performance in resolving passenger grievances.

Women members of the Railway Protection Force leading the parade at the Independence Day celebrations at Palakkad railway divisional headquarters at Olavakode near Palakkad on Saturday.
| Photo Credit:
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Mr. Roat also highlighted infrastructure works to improve sectional speed and track safety, eliminate level crossings and redevelop stations under the Amrit Bharat scheme. Sixteen stations in the division are covered under the redevelopment programme, with several already inaugurated or completed.

He said safety remains the division’s top priority and noted the Railway Protection Force (RPF)’s initiatives, including Meri Saheli, Operation Amanat, Operation Nanhe Fariste and Operation Dignity.

Mr. Roat called on railway personnel to work towards making the division safer, more punctual, passenger-friendly, sustainable and efficient.

Democracy and secularism, two fundamental values of the country, should be preserved, said Minister for Higher Education Roji M. John.

He was delivering the Independence Day message at the celebrations organised at the Ernakulam Collectorate Parade Ground. Independence Day was also the day when the idea of India and its diversity were upheld. Like B.R. Ambedkar said, independence will be complete when along with political freedom, the social and economic freedom of every citizen is ensured, Mr. John said.

“Indians desire for a freedom to speak up, think and express their divergent views. A country free of divisions based on religion, caste, race, and language needs to be built. Not divisions but a nationalism that takes everyone alone is relevant in contemporary India,” he said.

Mr. John hoisted the national flag to mark the inauguration of the district-level Independence Day celebrations and took salute of the parading platoons. Earlier district collector G. Priyanka, District Police Chiefs for Kochi and Ernakulam Rural Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar and K.S. Sudarshan also took the salute at the parade. Uma Thomas, MLA, was also present.

Vice-Admiral Sameer Saxena, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command (SNC), laid a wreath and paid homage at the SNC War Memorial in honour of the bravehearts who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty top mark the Independence Day. He inspected the 50-men Guard and reviewed the ceremonial parade comprising contingents of the Indian Navy, NCC and Sea Cadet Corps at INS Garuda. Mr. Saxena highlighted the evolution of Indian Navy from a modest coastal force into a “combat-ready, credible, cohesive and future-ready force with blue-water capability, nuclear deterrence and presence across areas of maritime interests”. Today, the Indian Navy stands as the preferred security partner and the first responder in the region. Naval ships were ‘dressed overall’ with signal flags, while various units and establishments proudly flew the National Flag as part of the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign.

Major Archbishop Mar Raphael Thattil hoisted the national flag and delivered the Independence Day message at Mount St. Thomas, the headquarters of the Syro Malabar Catholic Church. He reminded that Independence in not only about enjoying rights but a major responsibility as well while drawing attention to the importance of preserving the country’s unity and integrity.

Kochi Metro Rail Limited managing director Loknath Behera hoisted national flag at the Operation Control Centre of Kochi Metro in Muttom and water metro jetty at Fort Kochi. He took the salute of the security officers. Hailing the excellence of Kochi Metro, he said that the country is progressing fast towards becoming an advanced country by 2047. Mr. Behera distributed awards for excellence to security officials.