New Delhi, Aug 15 (UNI) Nation celebrates 70th Independence Day today with Prime Minister Narendra Modi unfurling the National Flag and addressing the countrymen from the ramparts of the Red Fort. Mr Modi hoisted the tricolor at the historic Lal Qila amid the presence of galaxy of politicians, diplomats, foreign dignitaries, bureaucrats and officers of the Defence forces. The air at ceremony was filled with patriotism while 3,500 girl students from 42 government schools of eastern, north-eastern, northern and central zones of Directorate of Education, of the Delhi Government sang the National Anthem. They also sang patriotic songs in different regional languages during the celebrations. On this occasion, these school children displayed the formation of ‘70th’ Independence Day. On arrival at Lahori Gate of Red Fort, the Prime Minister was received by the Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre and Defence Secretary G Mohan Kumar. The Defence Secretary introduced the General Officer Commanding (GoC), Delhi Area, Lt General Vijay Singh to the Prime Minister. The GOC Delhi Area then conducted the Prime Minister to the Saluting Base where a combined Inter-Services and Police Guards presented a general salute to the Prime Minister. Thereafter, Mr Modi inspected the Guard of Honour. After inspecting the Guard of Honour, the Prime Minister proceeded to the ramparts of the Red Fort where he was greeted by Mr Parrikar, Minister of State for Defence Dr. Subhash Bhamre, Chief of the Army Staff General Dalbir Singh, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha and Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Sunil Lanba. The GOC Delhi area then conducted the Prime Minister to the dais to unfurl the National Flag. The unfurling of the tri-colour synchronized with the 21 Gun Salute fired by the valiant gunners of the elite 2281 Field Regiment (Ceremonial). The Air Force Band played the National Anthem when the National Guard presents the ‘Rashtriya Salute’ while unfurling of the National Flag by the Prime Minister. A tight security cover shrouds the national capital on the occasion of the 70th Independence Day, to tackle the heightened terror threat in the country. Keeping in view heightened terror threat perception in the country, a multi-tier ground-to-air security ring has been created to defeat any possible bid from terrorists or anti-national elements at the Red Fort-the venue of the main function. As many as 40,000 security personnel are keeping vigil on Delhi streets in the wake of intelligence inputs, saying that terrorists might strike at crowded, religious places and government establishments. UNI NAZ RG SHK PS 0750