IIMs, IITs, IGNOU mark 79th Independence Day with academic initiatives, national programmes

On August 15, 2025, Indian educational institutions observed the 79th Independence Day with events highlighting institutional initiatives and national programmes. IIM Mumbai conducted a campus marathon and prize distribution as part of the “Har Ghar Tiranga” campaign, and IIM Lucknow installed a 100-foot National Flag.

The Independence Day event at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Mumbai also featured an address by Manoj Tiwari, in which he reflected on the relevance of the country’s freedom struggle to contemporary academic and institutional efforts. He stated, “India’s freedom struggle continues to guide our work. IIM Mumbai’s accomplishments, including securing the 6th position in the NIRF India Rankings 2024, reaffirming the institute’s dedication to academic excellence and national development.”

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi and IIT Kanpur held flag hoisting ceremonies, with IIT Kanpur inaugurating a new institute laundromat facility and unveiling redesigned ID cards. Industry-sponsored award winners were felicitated, and students performed cultural programmes in collaboration with campus schools and staff.

Independence Day 2025: IGNOU reports inclusive enrolments

IIT Patna’s celebration included inspection of the ceremonial parade and a cultural programme featuring patriotic songs, dances, poetry recitations, and a drama based on the Kakori Conspiracy. IIT Goa conducted a prize distribution for support staff and a cultural program by students.

IGNOU highlighted inclusive access to education in its Independence Day address. A professor of IGNOU, Uma Kanjilal, reported that women constituted 57% of new enrolments, 60.5% of learners came from rural and tribal areas, and over 56% belonged to SC, ST, OBC, and EWS categories.

IGNOU also enrolled 4,996 individuals with disabilities and 8,123 jail inmates, along with 1,49,266 working professionals, demonstrating the institution’s role in advancing equity and lifelong learning.

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PM Modi highlights linguistic diversity

In his Independence Day address, the Prime Minister emphasised India’s linguistic diversity and the Gyan Bharatam Mission to preserve cultural and intellectual heritage. “Under the Gyan Bharatam Mission, we are working towards preserving India's rich cultural and intellectual heritage for future generations,” he said.

He called on youth, entrepreneurs, and the private sector to lead India’s journey towards self-reliance in priority sectors, reiterating the “Vocal for Local” initiative to support Made in India products, high-growth industries, and technological development aligned with the National Education Policy 2020.

79th Independence Day: Tribal students join Red Fort celebrations

In Navi Mumbai, volunteers marked Independence Day with an educational outreach for the Pardhi community, organised by Mahamanav Pratishthan and the 'One Notebook, One Pen' campaign. The programme distributed educational materials and encouraged children from marginalised backgrounds to attend school.

On 79th Independence Day, a group of 30 meritorious students from tribal communities in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, along with 171 grassroots contributors selected for their work in empowering women and children, attended the Red Fort celebrations.

The special guests, including Anganwadi workers, children from care institutions, and PM CARES beneficiaries, were recognised for their role in providing essential services and creating opportunities in underserved areas.