PM Modi Offers Floral Tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat on...
On the solemn occasion of India's 80th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Raj Ghat in New Delhi to offer floral tributes to the...
By GT24x7 Reporter··GlobalToday24x7
On the auspicious morning of India's 80th Independence Day on August 15, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Raj Ghat in New Delhi to offer a solemn floral tribute to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. Before leading the national celebrations from the ramparts of the historic Red Fort, the Prime Minister arrived at the black marble memorial of Mahatma Gandhi, bowed his head in deep reverence, offered fresh flower petals, and circumambulated the sacred samadhi to honor the enduring legacy of the leader who guided India's non-violent freedom struggle to final victory.
The annual homage at Raj Ghat serves as a foundational tradition of the Independence Day proceedings, reminding the nation of the moral compass, truth, and non-violence that anchored India’s long fight against British colonial rule. Attired in traditional ceremonial attire, the Prime Minister spent several moments standing in quiet reflection at the memorial as classical devotional hymns played in the background, underscoring the deep spiritual and historical significance of Mahatma Gandhi's principles in modern governance.
Reflecting on Gandhian Ideals and the Road to Viksit Bharat
In a national message shared shortly before visiting Raj Ghat, Prime Minister Modi highlighted how the timeless ideals, courage, and selfless sacrifices of Mahatma Gandhi and thousands of freedom fighters continue to illuminate the nation's path toward building a fully developed nation (*Viksit Bharat*) by 2047. He emphasized that the collective resolve of 140 crore citizens is directly rooted in the democratic, inclusive, and self-reliant vision championed during the independence movement.
Civic leaders and historians noted that honoring Mahatma Gandhi on Independence Day reinforces the vital connection between sovereign political freedom and social responsibility. The tribute at Raj Ghat reflects the national commitment to upholding truth, communal harmony, self-reliance (*Atmanirbharata*), and rural empowerment—core tenets of the Gandhian philosophy that remain essential pillars of India's modern economic and social policies.
Seamless Transition to Historic Red Fort Proceedings
Following his visit to Raj Ghat, Prime Minister Modi proceeded directly under heavy security escort to the historic Red Fort. Upon arrival at the 17th-century monument, he was formally received by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, and Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh before inspecting a joint Tri-Services Guard of Honour comprising personnel from the Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, and Delhi Police.
The tribute at Raj Ghat effectively set a reverent and patriotic tone for the rest of the 80th Independence Day celebrations, which featured the unfurling of the Tricolour, a 21-gun salute using indigenous light field guns, helicopter flower showers, and the historic first-time rendition of *Vande Mataram* marking 150 years of the national song. The moment stood as a powerful bridge connecting the moral foundations of India's freedom struggle with its ambitious vision for future progress.