What a day it's been! As India celebrated its 79th Independence Day on August 15, 2025, a wave of patriotic pride washed over the country, and social media was buzzing with it. From the cricket pitch to the silver screen, our favorite stars came out in full force to share what this day means to them. It wasn't just about simple wishes; we saw heartfelt tributes, nostalgic memories, and powerful messages of unity and progress.
Key Highlights
- ✓ Rohit Sharma relived the iconic flag-hoisting moment from India's victory at the T20 World Cup Final 2024.
- ✓ Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted the tricolour at the Red Fort for the nation's 79th Independence Day.
- ✓ Bollywood stars like Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar shared unique and personal messages of patriotism.
- ✓ The theme for this year's celebrations was 'Naya Bharat,' reflecting the vision of achieving 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047.
- ✓ Legends like Sachin Tendulkar and stars from every corner of the entertainment industry joined in with heartfelt wishes.
Cricket's Chorus of Pride
When it comes to national pride, our cricketers always lead from the front, and this year was no exception. India's ODI captain, Rohit Sharma, who has led the country to two ICC trophies, really set the tone. He posted a powerful picture that gave every Indian fan goosebumps—the unforgettable moment he hoisted our flag in Barbados after the historic win at the T20 World Cup Final 2024. It was a simple post, just the picture, but it said everything.
Of course, the master blaster himself, Sachin Tendulkar, kept it classic and powerful with a simple "Happy Independence Day! Jai Hind!" on X. Following suit was India's head coach, Gautam Gambhir, whose message was short but packed a punch: "My country, my identity, my life! Jay Hind!" You could just feel the passion behind those words. The sentiment was echoed across the cricketing fraternity.
ICC Chairman Jay Shah also shared a thoughtful message, reminding us to remember the heroes who fought for our freedom and to work together for a "bright and peaceful future." Meanwhile, India's T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav took to Instagram, letting everyone know he's "Always working hard to win for us." It’s that dedication that we all love to see.
Poetry, Passion, and Powerful Words
You can always count on former opener Virender Sehwag to do something a little different. He penned a beautiful little poem in Hindi, which translates to the idea that the intoxication of our tricolour's honor and our motherland's glory will ensure we hoist this flag everywhere. It was a truly moving tribute.
It wasn't just the men's team making their voices heard. The decorated batter from our women's team, Mithali Raj, shared a deeply reflective message. She touched upon the nation's resilience, acknowledging the challenges faced "at our borders to trials within." Her call to honor the sacrifices of our freedom fighters by staying united and building a stronger, fairer India was incredibly inspiring.
Bollywood's Heartfelt Tributes
Over in Bollywood, the patriotic fervor was just as high, with stars sharing personal, creative, and touching messages. Salman Khan surprised his fans by posting a video of himself singing "Saare Jahan Se Achcha." It was a simple, heartfelt rendition that resonated with millions and quickly became a highlight of the day's online celebrations.
Meanwhile, Akshay Kumar offered a different, more grounded perspective. While enjoying some beachside volleyball, he met a group of workers dedicated to keeping the beaches clean. He shared pictures with these "real-life heroes," praising their "all smiles, all heart" attitude. It was a beautiful reminder that patriotism is also about taking care of our communities and respecting those who work tirelessly for them.
Actor and philanthropist Sonu Sood took a trip down memory lane, sharing a series of throwback photos from his time at the Attari–Wagah Border during the shooting of his film Fateh. The images, showing him holding the tricolour alongside soldiers, were a powerful tribute to our armed forces and the patriotic energy at one of India's most iconic frontiers.
Messages of Hope and History
The messages from other stars were equally thoughtful. Actress Mrunal Thakur shared a poignant note on her Instagram Stories that really stuck with me: "We carry the stories, remember the struggles, and honour the space to write our own." It perfectly captures the essence of inheriting a legacy of freedom while forging our own path forward.
National Award-winning actor Vikrant Massey, still riding high on the success of 12th Fail, kept it direct and passionate with a post in Hindi declaring, "My India, my life, my pride." Rajkummar Rao extended his heartfelt gratitude to the Indian Armed Forces for their "unwavering courage, dedication, and selfless sacrifices." Kajol beautifully summed it up, writing, "To the land that raised us, shaped us, and inspires us. Happy Independence Day."
Nimrat Kaur shared a truly touching family moment, hoisting the tricolour with her grandmother. She quoted her Naniji, who was born in 1931: "India warga hor koi desh hai hee nahin!!" (There is no other country like India!). It's these personal, generational stories that truly highlight the journey of our nation. A long list of other celebrities, including Vicky Kaushal, Kiara Advani, Karan Johar, Alia Bhatt, and Allu Arjun, also shared their wishes, creating a massive digital celebration.
A Nation's Celebration from the Red Fort
Beyond the social media posts, the heart of the official celebration was, as always, at the historic Red Fort in Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted the tricolour, continuing a tradition that fills every Indian with pride. He was assisted this year by Flying Officer Rashika Sharma in the flag hoisting ceremony, a wonderful moment of recognition.
The ceremony was nothing short of spectacular. As the flag unfurled, two Mi-17 helicopters from the Indian Air Force showered flower petals from the sky. One helicopter carried our national flag, and the other carried the 'Operation Sindoor' flag. It was a breathtaking sight, with Wing Commander Vinay Poonia and Wing Commander Aditya Jaiswal piloting the aircraft.
Before arriving at the Red Fort, Prime Minister Modi paid a visit to Rajghat to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, honoring the father of the nation. The Prime Minister was received at the Red Fort by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and the Chiefs of the three services, followed by a ceremonial guard of honour involving 128 personnel from the Air Force, Army, Navy, and Delhi Police, led by Wing Commander Arun Nagar. The theme for this year's celebrations, 'Naya Bharat,' perfectly encapsulated the government's forward-looking vision of achieving 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047.
Conclusion
When you look back at the day, it's clear that India's 79th Independence Day was a beautiful blend of solemn remembrance, joyous celebration, and hopeful ambition. From Rohit Sharma connecting a recent sporting triumph to national pride, to Akshay Kumar finding patriotism in everyday heroes, our stars showed us the many ways to love and honor our country. These digital celebrations, combined with the grandeur of the official ceremonies, painted a vivid picture of a nation united in its spirit, proud of its past, and excited for its future. Jai Hind!
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