In the wake of the ongoing pandemic, this year’s Independence Day would be different. New guidelines have been generated for the same. As large gatherings are discouraged to prevent transmission of infection, the number of invitees has been cut down to 200-250, unlike every year when the number is 900-1000. Unlike every year, there wouldn’t be any performance by school students. Instead, 300 NCC cadets would be invited. The staff would be wearing PPE kits and everyone would be practicing social distancing.
“The ceremony at Red Fort consisting of the presentation of a Guard of Honour by the Armed Forces and the Delhi Police to the prime minister, unfurling of the National Flag accompanied by playing of the National Anthem and firing of 21-gun salute, speech by the prime minister, singing of the National Anthem immediately after the PM’s speech, and release of tri-colored balloons at the end,” the Ministry of Home Affairs said in an advisory. “In view of the spread of Covid-19 pandemic, while organizing various programs or activities for the Independence Day celebrations, it is imperative to follow certain preventive measures such as maintaining social distancing, wearing of masks, proper sanitization, avoiding large congregations, protecting vulnerable persons, etc,” it said.
The event will be a webcast. A special ‘at home’ event will be held at Rashtrapati Bhawan. The at-home function at Rashtrapati Bhawan would be focused on the coronavirus warriors. Special invitations will be sent to doctors, health workers, and people who have recovered from coronavirus.
Other functions allowed include inter-school and inter-college debates on digital platforms, quiz contests, tree plantation, patriotic essay writing, and poetry competitions on virtual platforms, webinars centered around patriotic themes, and any other innovative event keeping in mind social distancing rules.
