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This is an archive article published on August 16, 2024
Among 4,000 special guests on Independence Day, Olympic staff, Anganwadi workers and Lakhpati didis
Many of them had travelled long distances to mark their attendance at the event as they revelled in the moments of a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
4 min read
Lalita Yadav, an Anganwadi worker from Haryana, who attended the event. Express photoMEMBERS OF India’s contingent at Paris Olympics, cultural groups representing the country’s diverse heritage, farmers, Anganwadi workers, members of women self-help groups, and economically disadvantaged citizens were among over 4,000 special guests invited to attend the celebrations for the 78th Independence Day at Red Fort on Thursday. Many of them had travelled long distances to mark their attendance at the event as they revelled in the moments of a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Among the team members of the athletes who had competed in the recently concluded Paris Olympics was Ranganathan. He served as a physiotherapist for the hockey team. “People have been treating us like celebrities when we step out in our uniforms,” he shared with a smile. Another physiotherapist, who worked with the Indian wrestling team but did not wish to be named, said, “It was a mixed bag of highs and lows but we are hopeful that we can do even better the next time…”
Lalita Yadav, an Anganwadi worker from Gurgaon, arrived in a traditional Haryanvi Daman — a red dupatta that was draped to cover her head, a white kurta, a teal-coloured skirt, and a heavy silver waist chain. “I am not just representing my state but also the children I work with every day… Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s message of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (developed India) gives me a lot of hope for this nation and its youth.”
Several members of the self-help group, Lakhpati Didi, who earn an annual income of over Rs 1 lakh, arrived in their distinctive pink coats and caps. For many of them, it was their first visit to the Red Fort.
Among the Lakhpati Didis was Kavita Chauhan, who earns as a farm worker by spraying insecticides and pesticides on farms using drones and is a beneficiary of the “Drone Didi” scheme. “Most people in my village, including myself, didn’t know that technology like a drone existed and could be useful in farming,” she said. Another member, Prema, shared, “I am the sole breadearner in my family. I sell pickles to make a living… This scheme has ensured that I can manage a two-square meal to support myself.”
Thousands of attendees from the agriculture and farmer welfare sectors were also invited to the celebrations. Among the 125 beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojna was Raju Yadav, who traveled from a village near Agra in Uttar Pradesh. “I am glad I could bring my daughter to watch the celebrations in Delhi.”
As the event concluded, a group of folk dancers from Chhattisgarh, who were among the 75 cultural groups invited to perform at the Red Fort, could be seen dancing outside the venue too. “We have performed in various parts of the country, but this was our first time performing in Delhi,” said Prema Yadav, a member of the group.
Massive security arrangements
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Over 10,000 security personnel on duty, half a dozen entry checkpoints with door-frame metal detectors, AI-based CCTV cameras, dog squads, and drones —massive security arrangements were in place for the I-Day event.
A special control room at the Tughlaq Road Police Station — equipped with feeds from 437 newly installed CCTV cameras across the city — allowed the Delhi Police real-time monitoring. Apart from frisking visitors, vehicles were also checked thoroughly.
Meanwhile, officers said that patrolling was being carried out by personnel on bikes and PCR vans. (With ENS inputs)
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