PM Modi at the Red Fort on the last Independence Day (File Image) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, August 15, greeted people on the occasion of Independence Day and said that, powered by 140 crore Indians, the country is scaling new heights of progress across different sectors. PM Modi also paid tributes to the countless freedom fighters whose courage, sacrifice and unwavering commitment ensured the end of colonial rule. "Warm greetings on the occasion of Independence Day. We remember with gratitude the countless freedom fighters whose courage, sacrifice and unwavering commitment ensured the end of colonial rule," the prime minister said in a post on X. He said the dreams of the freedom fighters continue to inspire everyone as people work together to build a "Viksit Bharat". "Powered by 140 crore Indians, our nation is scaling new heights of progress across different sectors. May this journey keep progressing at an even greater pace in the times to come," PM Modi said. India is celebrating its 80th Independence Day on Saturday. PM Modi set to lead the celebrations at the Red Fort complex amid patriotic fervour and multi-layer security. Upon his arrival at the Red Fort, PM Modi will be received by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, his deputy Sanjay Seth and Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. The defence secretary will introduce the General Officer Commanding (GOC), Delhi Area, Lt Gen Rajesh Sethi, to the prime minister. The GOC will then conduct the prime minister to the saluting base where a combined Inter-Services and Delhi Police Guard will present general salute to PM Modi. Thereafter, the prime minister will inspect the guard of honour. The Guard of Honour contingent for the prime minister will consist of one officer and 24 personnel each from the Army, Navy, Air Force and the Delhi Police. After inspecting the guard of honour, the prime minister will proceed to the ramparts of the Red Fort. The GOC, Delhi Area, will conduct the prime minister to the dais on the ramparts to hoist the national flag. Capt Sonia Singh Chauhan will assist the prime minister in hoisting the national flag. It will be synchronised with the 21-gun salute by the valiant gunners of the 1721 Field Battery (Ceremonial). The ceremonial battery, utilising the indigenous 105mm Light Field Guns, will be commanded by Maj Pawan Singh Shekhawat and the gun position officer will be Naib Subedar (Assistant Instructor in Gunnery) Anuthosh Sarkar. The National Flag Guard, comprising one officer and 32 other ranks each from the Army, Navy and Air Force and Delhi Police, will present the Rashtriya Salute at the time of hoisting of the national flag by the prime minister. Maj Lokendra Singh Shekhawat will be in command of this Inter-Services Guard and Police Guard. After being hoisted, the tricolour will receive a 'Rashtriya Salute'. The Army band, consisting of one JCO and 25 other ranks, will play the tune of 'Vande Mataram' and the National Song will be sung by everyone present at Red Fort. It will be followed by the recitation of the National Anthem. For the first time, the National Song, 'Vande Mataram', will be rendered during the Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort.