"At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom" - These were the words of independent India's first Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru during his historic speech on August 15, 1947, from the Red Fort.
This year on August 15, India will once again salute the sacrifice of brave freedom fighters on Independence Day. From societies and educational institutions to workplaces, Independence Day will be celebrated with pomp and flair across the country.
However, all eyes remain glued to the Red Fort in Delhi, which acts as the setting for Independence Day celebrations each year. The Red Fort or 'Lal Quila' is an icon of the freedom struggle in India. From being the site of countless battles and bloodshed to being the symbol of resilience, the structure has witnessed some of the most unforgettable milestones in India's freedom struggle.
Successive Indian prime ministers have hoisted the national flag from the Red Fort and addressed the nation on Independence Day since 1947.
The Red Fort, which receives its name from its enormous red sandstone walls, was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. It was created to serve as a fort-palace for Shahjahanabad, which was the capital of Shah Jahan. The Fort is considered to represent the best of Mughal architecture, which under Shah Jahan's rule was taken to a new zenith.
The Red Fort's planning and architectural style went on to inspire buildings and gardens in Rajasthan, Delhi, Agra, and further afar.
Declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2007, the Red Fort is managed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The organisation is also responsible for the protection of all national-level heritage sites in India and Indian cultural properties which are on the World Heritage List.
Last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave his Independence Day address from the ramparts of the Red Fort, which continued for around 90 minutes.
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