Archive · 15 Aug 2026
On 80th Independence Day, Delhi Speaks on Corruption and Education
India celebrated its 80th Independence Day with a big ceremony at the Red Fort in Delhi.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi came to raise the flag and give a speech.
Many people woke up very early and queued up to watch.
Everyone needed a special pass to get in, and there were many security checks.
People there talked about what independence means to them today.
Some said it means freedom from corruption, hunger, and underdevelopment.
Others said it means good education, good jobs, and leaders who are honest.
A young cadet said his generation must reform the country's systems.
An old farmer said independence means good rain and a good harvest.
In the end, colourful kites soared in the sky above old Delhi.
PM Narendra Modi hoisted the flag and addressed crowds at Delhi's Red Fort as India marked its 80th Independence Day.
Entry to the ceremony required a valid pass booked through the Ministry of Defence's Aamantran portal, with frisking, ID checks and pass scrutiny.
An NCC cadet said the younger generation must now seek independence 'from corruption, hunger, and underdevelopment' and called for institutional reform.
Attendees cited the Jantar Mantar protest that led to education minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation, with some questioning whether such protests bring lasting change.
Citizens from Delhi, Assam, Karnataka and Haryana shared personal hopes, including better education for future generations, merit-based jobs and timely pensions.
- Who
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who hoisted the flag and addressed the crowd, and hundreds of citizens who gathered at Red Fort in Delhi.
- What
- India's 80th Independence Day celebrations at Red Fort, where attendees shared their visions of independence, calling for an end to corruption, better education, good governance and institutional reform.
- When
- Saturday (India's 80th Independence Day).
- Where
- Red Fort, Delhi, India.
- Why
- Citizens gathered to mark the national day and reflect on what independence means 80 years on, voicing aspirations for accountability, development and a better future for younger generations.
Optimistic about governance progress
Demanding greater accountability
Government performance
Optimistic about governance progress
A retired official from Assam said pensions arrive on time, jobs in Assam are now given on merit, and better infrastructure is being built.
Demanding greater accountability
A Haryana student said politicians only speak of their successes in speeches and should also admit what remains unachieved, arguing that is how accountability gets fixed.
Value of protests
Optimistic about governance progress
An NCC cadet said protests such as Jantar Mantar, with similar ones in Nepal and Bangladesh, produce short-lived wins and authoritarianism and corruption return over time, so an institutional overhaul is needed.
Demanding greater accountability
The Jantar Mantar protest was seen as a big achievement because it led to education minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation, reflecting public expectations that leaders answer for pending work.
- Event
- India's 80th Independence Day celebrations
- Date
- Saturday (80th Independence Day)
- Location
- Red Fort, Delhi
- Flag hoisting
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi
- Entry
- Valid passes booked via the Ministry of Defence's Aamantran portal
- Security
- Area sealed to traffic since 4 am; frisking, ID checks and pass scrutiny
- Restricted items
- Only phones and wallets allowed; coins, pens, earphones, caps and water bottles confiscated
- Speech highlights
- India's nuclear power achievements and a seven-point roadmap