2023 Independence Day signified the theme Nation First, Always First under the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ celebrations, which began in 2021.
- The year 2023 marked the 76th anniversary of Indian Independence, as the first anniversary was marked a year from the actual year that is 1948. Hence, India celebrated its 77th Independence Day and 76th Independence Day anniversary in 2023.
Glimpse of the event:-
- In 2023, PM Modi has also introduced the “HAR GHAR TIRANGA” means “Every Home, a Tricolor” campaign ,encouraging the public to proudly hoist the tricolor flag on Independence Day.
- The prime minister addressed the nation for 90 minutes during his 10th consecutive Independence Day address on August 15.
- The national flag rose as a 21-gun salute echoed from the elite 8,711 Field Battery (Ceremonial).
- Indigenous 105-mm Light Field Guns were used for the first time for ceremonial gun salute at Independence Day event.
- The Red Fort’s floral arrangements included the prominent G20 logo.
- 75 couples from different regions adorned their traditional attire for the ceremony.
- Capture a selfie with the flag and post it on the official website https://harghartiranga.com as well as on social media using the campaign hashtag.
‘Vishwakarma Yojana’ for Craftsmanship
During the event, the PM announced ‘Vishwakarma Yojana‘ to benefit individuals skilled in traditional craftsmanship/artisan works.These include Weavers, goldsmiths, blacksmiths, laundry workers, barbers, and such families.
Around Rs 13,000 crore to Rs 15,000 crore will be allocated for the scheme.
Key Points:
i.The scheme will be launched on the occasion of Vishwakarma Jayanti (September 17,
2023).
ii.The scheme seeks to enhance artisans’ products and services, integrating them into local and global value chains, thus economically empowering marginalized workers from Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Communities (OBCs), women, transgender, and others.
Scheme for drone training for Women SHGs
The Central Government is set to launch a new scheme to provide agri-drones to thousands of women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in order to promote the use of technology in the agriculture sector and promote agritech in the country.
Key Points:
i.Recipients will be trained to operate and repair these Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).
ii.Initially 15000 SHGs will be covered under this.
New urban housing scheme
The Central Government will launch a new scheme to help those living in rented houses in cities to build their own homes.
- Under the scheme, government would provide offer interest subsidy on bank loans to such families (urban poor and middle class) which live in cities but stay in rented homes, slums and unauthorized colonies and want to build a home of their own.
- A relief worth lakhs of rupees will be provided under the scheme.
President approves 1 President’s Tatrakshak Medal & 5 Tatrakshak Medals to ICG
The President of India Droupadi Murmu has approved one President’s Tatrakshak Medal (PTM) and five Tatrakshak Medals (TM) to the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) personnel for their act of conspicuous gallantry, exceptional devotion to duty and distinguished/meritorious service on the occasion of Independence Day 2023.
- These awards are given to the personnel of the ICG on the occasion of Republic Day and Independence Day every year since January 26, 1990.
| Award | Awardee (Name & Rank) |
|---|---|
| President’s Tatrakshak Medal (Distinguished Service) | IG (Inspector General) Manoj Vasant Baadkar, TM (0173-Q) |
| Tatrakshak Medal (Gallantry) | Comdt (JG) Anurag Shukla (0853-M) Sultan Singh, P/Nvk(P), 12405-T |
| Tatrakshak Medal (Meritorious Service) | DIG (Deputy Inspector General) Manoj Bhatia (0323-J) DIG KR Deepak Kumar (0434-L) Deobrat Kumar Mishra, P/Adh(RP), 00486-L |
President approved 76 Gallantry awards to Armed Forces and CAPF personnel
The President approved 76 Gallantry awards to Armed Forces and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel. These include the following:
- 4Kirti Chakra (posthumous)
- 11 Shaurya Chakras, including five posthumous
- 2 Bar to Sena Medals (Gallantry)
- 52 Sena Medals (Gallantry)
- 3 Nao Sena Medal (Gallantry)
- 4 Vayu Sena Medals (Gallantry)
i.The President also gave her assent to 30 Mention-in-Despatches to the Army, including to Army dog Madhu (Posthumous), and one to Air Force personnel for their significant contributions in different military operations.
ii.The operations include Operation Rakshak, Operation Snow Leopard, Operation Casualty Evacuation, Operation Mount Chomo, Operation Pangsau Pass, Operation Meghdoot, Operation Orchid, Operation Kalisham Valley, Rescue Operation and Operation Evacuation.
Click Here for Full List of Awards
President awarded 53 personnel with Fire Service Medals
The President awarded 53 personnel with Fire Service Medals. These include the following
3 President’s Fire Service Medal for Gallantry
1 Fire Service Medal for Gallantry
8 President’s Fire Service Medal for Distinguished Service
41 Fire Service Medal for Meritorious Service
- 48 personnel / volunteers are also awarded Home Guards & Civil Defence Medals.
Click here for – List of Fire Service Medals
Click here for – List of Home Guards & Civil Defence Medals
Other Highlights:
i.The government’s “Vibrant Villages” initiative was highlighted that envisages transforming the perspective on border villages.
- Government has approved Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP) as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme on 15th February,2023 for development of the select villages in 46 blocks in 19 districts of abutting northern border in the States of Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand and UT (Union Territory) of Ladakh.
ii.Around 1,800 special guests from diverse sectors of society witnessed the Independence Day ceremony at the Red Fort.
Historical Background: Independence Day of India
i.On August 15, 1947, India was declared independent of British colonialism, and sovereignty was given over to the country’s leaders.
ii.The Indian Independence Bill, which created the independent nations of India and Pakistan , came into effect at midnight on August 15, 1947.
iii.The provinces of Bengal and Punjab were divided between the two new nations.
iv.Lord Mountbatten continued as Governor-General and Jawaharlal Nehru was appointed India’s first Prime Minister (PM).
- Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first prime minister, hoisted the national flag above Delhi’s Red Fort at the Lahori Gate. This tradition has been continued by every subsequent Prime Minister.
About Delhi:
New Delhi is the National Capital of India.
Lieutenant Governor– Vinai Kumar Saxena
Chief Minister– Arvind Kejriwal
