Special blocks for Olympians and ‘Covid warriors’, two Indian Air Force choppers flying past, a ‘wall’ of shipping containers for security – these were the scenes from the Red Fort as the national capital celebrated the 75th Independence Day on Sunday. The event, which is usually witnessed by more than 25,000 people, was only restricted to Covid warriors, sportspersons, ministers, MPs, Home Ministry officials, and media persons due to the pandemic. However, unlike last year, hundreds of school children – also NCC cadets – were invited this time and they sang patriotic songs. At 6.20 am, guests started arriving at the Fort whose ramparts were decked with flowers in the colours of the national flag. Keeping with the ‘new normal’, all seats were placed two metres apart to maintain social distancing. Sanitiser dispensers were set up at entry points and sanitary kits were placed under each seat. Prime Minister Narendra Modi then inspected the Guard of Honour and addressed the nation. Onlookers were in for a treat as two IAF choppers flew overhead after the National Anthem. In a first, the choppers, in an ‘Amrut’ formation, showered flower petals too. One of the main highlights of the event were the 32 athletes who participated in the Tokyo Olympics this year. The Defence Ministry had said on Saturday that around 240 Olympians and support staff were invited to the ceremony. Separate blocks in front of the ramparts were set aside for Covid warriors, with the Prime Minister applauding the contribution of Olympians and healthcare workers in his speech. This year, as part of security arrangements, a big makeshift wall of shipping containers was erected by the Delhi Police in front of the Red Fort. According to officials, it was arranged in such a way that nobody could see the fort from outside. The ‘wall’ was decorated with murals of leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi, Bhagat Singh, Subash Chandra Bose and other freedom fighters and also sported paintings of missiles, the Atal Tunnel, aircraft, Metro among other things. Police said keeping in mind the “attack” on Lal Qila by protesting farmers on Republic Day, the containers were placed to prevent any security breach. More than 5,000 Delhi Police, CRPF, SWAT and para-military personnel were deployed at the venue. A Delhi Police spokesperson said they also provided additional deployment and security at the borders. Anti-drone systems were installed at the Fort along with 400 cameras in case of a terror/drone attack. Heavy police deployment meant that shopkeepers in the vicinity began their day a little later than usual and opened their establishments only after the ceremony. Some arrived to watch the event, braving a sultry morning, but could not get past the gates. Vijayawati, who came from Faridabad, said she could not get in despite having an invite procured from a relative who is a government employee. With the barricades in the area and some roads closed, she could not locate the gate mentioned on her invite and ended up waiting outside for the rest of her family to watch the ceremony and return. Virender Kumar (45) and five of his friends from Narela reached the venue at 4 am to find seats. “It took us a lot of time to get to the gates, but the wait was worth it. I always wanted to see PM Modi. We also got to see many Olympians. I couldn’t bring my children, they would have loved to see this,” he said.
