Celebrating National Flag Day: The Significance of the Tricolour

Every year on July 22, India celebrates National Flag Day, a day dedicated to commemorating the adoption of the Indian tricolour as the National Flag of India before independence. Known affectionately as the Tiranga or Tricolour, this flag holds immense significance for the Indian populace, symbolizing unity, pride, and the rich cultural heritage of the nation.

The Historical Significance of July 22

The celebration of National Flag Day on July 22 marks the historic decision made by the Constituent Assembly to adopt the tricolour as the National Flag of India. Prior to independence, the Indian subcontinent was a mosaic of princely states, each with its own distinct flag. The idea of a single Indian flag was first proposed by the British rulers following the rebellion of 1857, which marked the beginning of direct imperial rule.

In August 1947, as India stood on the brink of independence, the Constituent Assembly established an ad hoc committee on June 23, 1947, to select a flag for the soon-to-be independent nation. Chaired by Rajendra Prasad, the committee included notable members such as Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Sarojini Naidu, C. Rajagopalachari, K. M. Munshi, and B. R. Ambedkar.

On July 22, 1947, Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru proposed the flag designed by Pingali Venkayya to the Constituent Assembly. The flag, featuring a horizontal tricolour of deep saffron, white, and dark green with the Ashoka Chakra in the center, was unanimously adopted. This flag represented the Dominion of India from August 15, 1947, to January 26, 1950, and continues to represent the Republic of India to this day.

The Design of the National Flag

India’s national flag is a symbol of the country’s values and aspirations. The flag consists of three horizontal stripes of equal width. The top stripe is deep saffron (Kesari), symbolizing courage and sacrifice. The middle stripe is white, representing peace and truth. The bottom stripe is dark green, signifying faith and chivalry. In the center of the white stripe is a navy blue Ashoka Chakra, a 24-spoke wheel inspired by the one on the abacus of Ashoka’s Sarnath Lion Capital.

The width-to-length ratio of the flag is two to three. The Ashoka Chakra, with its 24 spokes, symbolizes the eternal wheel of law.

The Flag Code of India

The display and usage of the national flag are governed by the Flag Code of India, 2002, alongside the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950, and the Prevention of Insults to National Honor Act, 1971. These laws ensure that the flag is treated with the respect and dignity it deserves. Any gross affront or indignity to the flag, including misuse that violates the Flag Code, is punishable by law with imprisonment of up to three years, a fine, or both.

Do’s and Don’ts

Do’s:

• The National Flag may be hoisted in educational institutions (schools, colleges, sports camps, scout camps, etc.) to inspire respect for the Flag. An oath of allegiance has been included in the flag hoisting in schools.
• Members of public, private organizations, or educational institutions may hoist/display the National Flag on all days and occasions, ceremonial or otherwise, consistent with the dignity and honour of the National Flag.
• Section 2 of the Flag Code accepts the right of all private citizens to fly the flag on their premises.

Don’ts:

• The flag cannot be used for communal gains, drapery, or clothes. It should be flown from sunrise to sunset, irrespective of the weather.
• The flag cannot intentionally touch the ground, floor, or water. It cannot be draped over the hood, top, sides, or back of vehicles, trains, boats, or aircraft.
• No other flag or bunting can be placed higher than the flag. No objects, including flowers, garlands, or emblems, can be placed on or above the flag. The tricolour cannot be used as a festoon, rosette, or bunting.

The National Flag: A Symbol of Unity and Pride

For Indian citizens, the national flag is a potent symbol of unity, pride, and patriotism. It evokes a deep sense of belonging to the nation and represents the collective identity and responsibility of its people. The flag serves as a reminder of India’s rich cultural heritage and the struggles endured to achieve independence. Displaying and respecting the flag is a mark of respect for the country and its principles, encapsulating the values of peace, diversity, and progress.

National Flag Day is not just a day to remember the adoption of the tricolour; it is a day to reaffirm our commitment to the ideals and values that the flag represents. As we hoist the Tiranga and watch it flutter in the wind, we are reminded of our duty to uphold the unity, integrity, and sovereignty of our nation.