New Delhi, August 15, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a heartwarming moment with schoolchildren at the Red Fort on Saturday after concluding his Independence Day address, stepping away from the formal protocol to interact with youngsters attending the 80th Independence Day celebrations.
After the ceremonial proceedings, including the rendition of ‘Vande Mataram’ and the National Anthem, Modi moved towards groups of schoolchildren, NCC cadets and ‘My Bharat’ volunteers gathered at the venue.
During the interaction, a young girl bent down to touch the Prime Minister’s feet as a mark of respect. Her cap fell off in the process. Modi immediately bent down, picked up the cap and placed it back on her head, drawing smiles and applause from those around.
Modi then continued interacting with the youngsters, shaking hands, exchanging brief words and greeting them. As in previous years, he moved beyond the usual protocol to reach the enclosures where the children were seated.
Students wearing bright yellow and dark blue outfits had formed the number “70” at the venue as a symbolic representation of seven decades of independent India’s journey, even as the country marked its 80th Independence Day.
The interaction left many of the children visibly excited, with several describing the meeting as a memorable and thrilling experience.
The informal exchange also reflected the youth-focused theme of Modi’s Independence Day address. During his speech, he announced initiatives including free online coaching for competitive examinations, a nationwide sports talent identification programme and a target of training one crore Gen Z youngsters in artificial intelligence and semiconductor technologies.
By personally meeting the children after the formal ceremony, Modi turned a high-profile national event into an informal interaction with the next generation, with the cap-picking gesture becoming one of the notable moments of the celebrations.
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