Archive · 14 Aug 2026
80th Independence Day honours India's unsung freedom fighters
India is celebrating a very special birthday.
On Saturday, August 15, the country will mark its 80th Independence Day.
This day remembers when India became free from British rule 79 years ago.
The theme this year is all about young people helping build a strong India by 2047.
For the first time, the national song Vande Mataram will be sung at the celebrations because it is 150 years old.
Thousands of people, including students and business owners, are expected to join.
The story also talks about brave men and women we don't hear about as much.
One was an old man named Veer Kunwar Singh who fought the British at almost 80 years old.
Another was 17-year-old Kanaklata Barua, who was shot while carrying the flag.
These heroes helped India become free, and we remember them too.
India celebrates its 80th Independence Day on Saturday (Aug 15), marking 79 years since independence from British rule.
The celebration theme is 'Yuva Shakti for Viksit Bharat@2047' and Vande Mataram will be sung to mark 150 years of the national song.
Around 27,000 people, including entrepreneurs and students, are expected to attend the event.
The article highlights five unsung freedom fighters: Veer Kunwar Singh, Birsa Munda, Matangini Hazra, Kanaklata Barua and Velu Nachiyar.
President Droupadi Murmu has specifically remembered Matangini Hazra among India's women freedom fighters.
- Who
- India and its people, including freedom fighters like Veer Kunwar Singh, Birsa Munda, Matangini Hazra, Kanaklata Barua and Velu Nachiyar
- What
- Celebration of the 80th Independence Day, highlighting unsung freedom fighters and the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram
- When
- Saturday, August 15 (marking 79 years since independence in 1947)
- Where
- India
- Why
- To mark independence from British rule and honour the sacrifice of thousands of freedom fighters
- Independence Day
- 80th
- Years since independence
- 79 (freedom from British rule in 1947)
- Celebration theme
- Yuva Shakti for Viksit Bharat@2047
- Expected attendees
- Around 27,000, including entrepreneurs and students
- National song
- Vande Mataram, marking 150 years; sung for the first time at this year's celebrations
- British rule start
- Battle of Plassey in 1757, nearly 200 years before independence
- Birsa Munda
- Died in Ranchi Jail on 9 June 1900, aged about 25
- Kanaklata Barua
- Killed on 20 September 1942 at age 17 while trying to hoist the flag at Gohpur Police Station