NEW DELHI: As India marks its 78th Independence Day on August 15, the sight of the tricolour flag waving in the wind stirs deep emotions of pride, unity, and patriotism across the nation. The Indian National Flag, affectionately known as the “Tiranga,” is more than just a symbol of freedom; it represents the nation’s rich history and the struggles that paved the way for independence. The flag stands as a testament to India’s identity as a sovereign, democratic republic, instilling a sense of collective pride wherever it is displayed, from the iconic Red Fort to the cricket stadiums that echo with national solidarity.
The Evolution of the Indian National Flag
The journey of the Indian National Flag is a reflection of the country’s evolving aspirations and identity, tracing back long before India gained independence from British rule in 1947.
The First Flag (1906): The earliest version of the Indian flag was hoisted on August 7, 1906, at Parsee Bagan Square in Kolkata. This flag featured three horizontal stripes of green, yellow, and red, with symbols representing India’s provinces and the words “Vande Mataram” in Devanagari script.
The Berlin Committee Flag (1907): The second flag, known as the Berlin Committee Flag, was designed by Indian freedom fighters in exile and hoisted by Bhikaiji Cama in Paris. This flag is significant as the first to represent Indian nationalism on the global stage.
The Home Rule Movement Flag (1917): Introduced during the Home Rule Movement, this flag had five red and four green stripes with a Union Jack in the corner. However, its association with the British Empire made it unpopular among nationalists.
The Flag of 1921: In 1921, Pingali Venkayya, a freedom fighter from Andhra Pradesh, presented a flag to Mahatma Gandhi. This flag had two horizontal stripes—red for Hindus and green for Muslims—with a spinning wheel (charkha) symbolizing self-reliance.
The Final Design (1947): The current tri colour flag was adopted on July 22, 1947, just weeks before India gained independence. It features saffron (courage), white (peace), and green (faith) stripes, with the Ashoka Chakra in navy blue at the centre, symbolizing justice and righteousness.
The visionary behind the flag: Pingali Venkayya
Pingali Venkayya, born on August 2, 1876, in Bhatlapenumarru, Andhra Pradesh, is celebrated as the “Father of the Indian National Flag.” A freedom fighter, scholar, and Gandhian, Venkayya’s most enduring legacy is his design of the Indian flag.
Venkayya was deeply influenced by Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals of non-violence and self-reliance. His extensive research into the flags of other nations and his belief in the need for a unifying national symbol led him to design the tricolor flag. His dedication to this cause culminated in the flag that India proudly hoists today, embodying the nation’s spirit and values.
Despite his significant contribution, Venkayya lived in poverty and passed away in obscurity on July 4, 1963. It was only later that his role in creating the national flag was widely recognized, and his legacy honored.
The Symbolism of the Tricolour
The Indian National Flag holds profound significance for every citizen. Each element of the flag is instilled with meaning:
- Saffron: Stands for courage, sacrifice, and the spirit of renunciation.
- White: Symbolises peace, truth, and purity.
- Green: Denotes faith, fertility, and the richness of the land.
- Ashoka Chakra: The 24 spokes of the Ashoka Chakra represent the eternal wheel of law and dharma, symbolising justice, progress, and continuous movement.
Understanding the Flag Code of India
The Flag Code of India, a set of guidelines governing the display and use of the national flag, underwent a significant change on January 26, 2002. This amendment marked a pivotal moment, allowing Indian citizens to hoist the national flag over their homes, offices, and factories on any day of the year, not just on national holidays, as was previously required.
The Flag Code of India, 2002, is designed to ensure that while citizens are free to display the national flag, they do so with the utmost respect. The code has three parts:
Part I provides a general description of the National Flag, including its design and proportions.
Part II outlines the rules for displaying the National Flag by members of the public, private organizations, and educational institutions. This section emphasizes the proper and respectful display of the flag in various settings.
Part III summarises the guidelines for the display of the National Flag by the Central and State Governments and their organizations and agencies.
The Flag Code also includes specific rules and regulations on how the flag should be hoisted, handled, and displayed, ensuring that the tricolour is always treated with dignity and respect, in line with the legislation passed on January 26, 2002.
The tricolour remains a powerful symbol of the sacrifices made by countless freedom fighters, the unity of a diverse nation, and the promise of a bright future. The legacy of Pingali Venkayya, the visionary behind the flag, continues to inspire every Indian who salutes the Tiranga with pride.
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