Who Is Major Nikita Nair? Officer To Unfurl Flag With PM At Red Fort

Like always, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will unfurl the national flag on August 15, marking India's Independence Day. However, this occasion at the Red Fort emerges to be more significant and special as the PM will be joined by two women army officers, Major Nikita Nair and Major Jasmine Kaur, who will assist him to unfurl the flag.

The ceremonial occasion is anticipated to have an audience of approximately 25,000 attendees.

Who Is Major Nikita Nair?

Former beauty pageant winner and accomplished Bharatanatyam dancer, Major Nikita Nair won the title of Miss OTA (Officers Training Academy) during her army training. Prior to this win, she achieved the 'May Queen Miss Pune' accolade in 2013.

Major Nair was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the Army in 2016 and has since risen to the rank of Major while dutifully serving her nation. Her formative training was conducted at the Officers Training Academy situated in Chennai.

76th Independence Day Celebration 

This Independence Day marks the culmination of the 'Azadi Ka Amrit' Mahotsav celebrations, which were inaugurated by the Prime Minister at Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, on March 12, 2021. 

As per the Ministry of Defence, the Rashtriya Salute, an assembly of five officers and 128 Other Ranks hailing from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Delhi Police, will perform the ceremonial gesture of presenting homage as the Prime Minister unfurls the National Flag. This Inter-Services Guard and Police Guard will be under the command of Major Abhinav Detha from the Army.

Following the Prime Minister's flag hoisting, an aerial display of scattering flower petals will be orchestrated by two domestically manufactured Dhruv advanced light helicopters Mark-III from the Indian Air Force. Following this, the Prime Minister will proceed to address the nation.

Special Invitees

Approximately 1,800 individuals spanning various professions, accompanied by their spouses, have received invitations from all corners of the nation to participate in the festivities at the Red Fort as esteemed Special Guests. This endeavour aligns with the Government's overarching vision of 'Jan Bhagidari' or people's participation.

These distinguished Special Guests encompass more than 400 Sarpanches from over 660 vibrant villages, 250 participants from the Farmer Producer Organisations scheme, 50 representatives each from the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Scheme, PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana, construction workers who contributed to the Central Vista Project, Khadi workers, individuals involved in the construction of border roads, the creation of Amrit Sarovar, and the Har Ghar Jal Yojana. Additionally, there are 50 primary school teachers, nurses, and fishermen among these Special Guests. As part of their stay in Delhi, a portion of these invitees is slated to visit the National War Memorial and meet Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Ajay Bhatt.

Furthermore, each State/Union Territory will be represented by 75 couples donning their traditional attire, who have also been extended invitations to witness the ceremonial proceedings at the Red Fort.

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