India celebrated 78 years of Independence on Friday with leaders across the country hoisting the national flag and paying tribute at various locations. President Droupadi Murmu also paid tribute to soldiers who had sacrificed their lives for the nation — laying a wreath at the National War Memorial in Delhi. She was accompanied by top military leaders as well as Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Visuals of the moment have since gone viral on social media with many noting that the ceremony had taken place amid pouring rain in the national capital.
The president was accompanied by Chief of Defence Staff Anil Chauhan, Chief of Air Staff Amar Preet Singh, Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, and Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh Tripathi, with all five of them marching to the memorial while being drenched in heavy rain. The wreath was also carried by two women Air Force officers. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth were also present at the memorial.
‘Iconic moment’
“Goosebumps! Watching Honourable President Saluting the Martyrs standing under such a heavy downpour of Rain. Many Salutes,” wrote on X user.
“This is an iconic moment,” agreed a second.
“No cover, no umbrella…Everyone wants to get drenched in the auspicious day of pride and honour. Remembering all our freedom fighters, soldiers, civilians, and everyone who was part of this struggle. We hope to live up to their expectations and help in nation building,” said a third.
Many in the comment section also likened it to a 2017 video of Russian President Vladimir Putin paying his respects to World War II veterans in the pouring rain. The clip was filmed while he laid flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Moscow and attended the Day of Memory and Sorrow Ceremony — marking the day the Nazis invaded Russia. A sudden shower had prompted the viral moment as Putin continued to stand in the downpour while paying his respects.
Gallantry Awards
Earlier on August 14, President Murmu approved 127 Gallantry awards and 40 Distinguished Service awards to the armed forces and central armed police forces personnel on the eve of the 79th Independence Day.
“These are: 04 Kirti Chakras; 15 Vir Chakras; 16 Shaurya Chakras; 02 Bar to Sena Medals (Gallantry); 58 Sena Medals (Gallantry); 06 Nao Sena Medals (Gallantry); 26 Vayu Sena Medals (Gallantry); 07 Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medals; 09 Uttam Yudh Seva Medals and 24 Yudh Seva Medals. The President has also approved 290 Mention-in-Despatches – 115 personnel of the Indian Army, 05 of the Indian Navy, 167 of the Indian Air Force and 03 of the Border Roads Development Board (BRDB),” an official release said.
Meanwhile, Vir Chakra has been awarded to nine Indian Air Force officers for their brave contributions in the service of the nation during Operation Sindoor.
(With inputs from agencies)