Vishal Mayur, Special Correspondent, CH News
India, a country with a rich history and diverse culture, celebrates its National Flag Day on July 22 every year. This significant day commemorates the adoption of the present-day tricolor flag by the Constituent Assembly of India in 1947. The flag, with its deep saffron, white, and Indian green stripes, and the Ashoka Chakra in the center, symbolizes India’s independence, unity, and heritage.
History of the Indian National Flag:
The Indian National Flag has undergone several changes since its first inception in 1906. Key changes include:
1906: Designed by Sachindra Prasad Bose, the first flag had three horizontal stripes of red, yellow, and green, with the Vande Mataram slogan. During the Swadeshi and Boycott struggle, a flag of India was hoisted for the first time in the Parsee Bagan Square in Calcutta (present-day Kolkata).
1907: The second flag was hoisted in Paris by Madame Cama and her band of exiled revolutionaries. This was very similar to the first flag except that the top stripe had only one lotus, but seven stars denoting the Saptarishi. This flag was also exhibited at a socialist conference in Berlin.
1917: The third flag went up when India’s political struggle had taken a definite turn. Dr. Annie Besant and Lokmanya Tilak hoisted it during the Home Rule movement. This flag had five red and four green horizontal stripes arranged alternately, with seven stars in the Saptarishi configuration superimposed on them. In the top left corner (the pole end) was the Union Jack, and there was also a white crescent and star in one corner.
1921: At the Bezwada (now Vijayawada) session of Congress, a young freedom fighter, Pingali Venkayya, presented a design of a flag to Mahatma Gandhi. The flag consisted of three horizontal stripes of red, white, and green, with a spinning wheel (Charkha) symbol in the center, representing multiple communities living in harmony in India and signifying the country’s progress.
1931: Â A formal resolution was passed adopting Pingali Venkayya’s flag with slight modifications. The red was replaced by saffron to represent courage, white for peace, and green for fertility and growth. The Charkha symbol remained.
1947: Finally, in July 1947, the Constituent Assembly formally adopted the flag of free India. The spinning wheel was replaced by the Dharma Chakra of Emperor Ashoka, symbolizing truth and life. This present-day tricolor flag with deep saffron, white, and Indian green stripes, and the Ashoka Chakra in the center, was adopted on July 22.
Significance of National Flag Day:
National Flag Day is celebrated across India with enthusiasm and patriotism. The day serves as a reminder of the country’s struggle for independence and the significance of the national flag in symbolizing India’s unity and heritage. On this day, Indians pay tribute to freedom fighters, appreciate the national flag’s significance, and renew their commitment to unity, integrity, and sovereignty.
Current Elements:
In recent years, National Flag Day has taken on added significance with government initiatives promoting the flag’s importance. The “Har Ghar Tiranga” campaign, launched in 2020, encourages citizens to hoist the flag at their homes, fostering a sense of national pride. Additionally, the “Flag Code of India,” introduced in 2002, provides guidelines for the display, hoisting, and respectful disposal of the national flag.
Celebrations Across India:
– Flag hoisting ceremonies at government buildings, schools, and public institutions
– Parades and processions
– Cultural events such as music and dance performances
– Essay competitions and quizzes on the national flag’s history and significance
The flag is often flown at half-mast on the day of death and the day of the funeral or memorial service, sometimes for a few days as a mark of respect. In India, this honors deceased individuals who have made significant contributions to the nation. Typical scenarios include:
1. Martyrs :For soldiers or security personnel who die in the line of duty.
2. Award Winners: For recipients of prestigious awards like Padma Shri or Padma Vibhushan.
3. National Leaders: For former Presidents, Prime Ministers, or other high-ranking leaders.
4. Renowned Personalities: For notable figures like scientists, artists, writers, or social workers.
Clarifications on Myths and Realities
Myth:The Indian National Flag is just a symbol of national pride and has no deeper meaning.
Reality:The flag’s colors and design hold rich symbolism: saffron represents courage and sacrifice, white signifies purity and truth, green symbolizes faith and fertility, and the Ashoka Chakra represents the eternal wheel of law and dharma.
Myth: The flag can be hoisted and displayed by anyone, anywhere.
Reality: While the flag can be displayed by anyone, there are guidelines and protocols to follow. The Flag Code of India, 2002, outlines specific guidelines for the display, hoisting, and disposal of the flag.
Myth: Hoisting the flag half-mast is a sign of disrespect.
Reality: Hoisting the flag half-mast is a sign of respect and tribute to the deceased or to express solidarity in times of national mourning.
Myth:The flag can be used for commercial purposes, such as advertising or branding.
Reality: The flag cannot be used for commercial purposes. Its use is restricted to official government events, national celebrations, and specific contexts.
Myth:The flag can be disposed of in any manner.
Reality: The flag must be disposed of with dignity and respect. The Flag Code of India, 2002, provides guidelines for the proper disposal of worn-out flags.
National Flag Day in India marks the adoption of the tricolor flag, celebrating the nation’s unity, heritage, and independence. The flag stands as a profound symbol of India’s identity and values. On this day, Indians pay homage to freedom fighters, reflect on the flag’s profound significance, and reaffirm their dedication to unity, integrity, and sovereignty.
