India’s 78th Independence Day: 10 interesting facts about the our National Flag

India is celebrating its 78th Independence Day today, August 15, 2024, Thursday, with Prime Minister Modi unfurling the national flag around 7:30 AM, followed by the address to the nation at Delhi, Red Fort.

As our flag symbolises national pride and unity, let’s reflect on the historical context, the evolution of the national flag, and ten intriguing facts about it.

Let’s go back to the evolution of the Indian National Flag:

In the early stages of India’s freedom struggle, the need for a unifying flag emerged, leading to Sister Nivedita’s proposal in 1904, featuring red and yellow colours symbolising victory and strength, along with “Vande Mataram” inscribed in Bengali.

The first tricolour flag appeared in 1906, showcasing blue, yellow, and red stripes with eight stars representing provinces. Subsequent designs included the ‘Calcutta flag’ in 1906, the Berlin flag in 1907 by Madam Bhikaji Cama, and the Home Rule flag in 1917, each reflecting the evolving nationalist sentiment.

The History of the National Flag of India (Designed by: Abhishek Mitra)

With India’s independence announced by Lord Mountbatten in 1947, an ad hoc flag committee led by Dr Rajendra Prasad was established to create a flag representative of all communities.

The Evolution of the Indian National Flag 🇮🇳

🔰190:- Theflagg was designed by SisterNivedita.a

🔰190:- During the Swadeshi and Boycottmovementst, a tricolourr flag with Vande Mataram was hoisted inCalcutta.a

The flag underwent several iterations in 1907, 1917, 1921, and 1931. pic.twitter.com/Z1iHxuS0wu

— PIB India (@PIB_India) August 14, 2024

Following Gandhi’s approval, it was decided to adopt a modified version of Pingali Venkayya’s flag, which previously featured a charkha, was altered to the current flag with the Ashoka Chakra at its centre, officially adopted on July 22, 1947, as a symbol of India’s sovereignty and unity.

With three coloured stripes – saffron, white, and green – and the Ashoka Chakra replacing the charkha as the national emblem, the Trianaga or tricolour flag was officially adopted as the national flag of India on July 22, 1947.

On August 15, 1947, Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of Independent India hoisted the Trianga, the National Flag of India for the first time, marking a significant milestone and reshaping the country’s identity and destiny.

Each colour in the Indian National Flag carries profound symbolism, reflecting the nation’s values and aspirations:

Know the significance behind Tiranga—Flag of India (Canva/Indian Express)

• Saffron: The top band signifies courage, sacrifice, and the spirit of renunciation, representing the valour and sacrifices of freedom fighters.
• White: The middle band embodies purity, truth, and peace.
• Green: The lowermost band symbolises fertility, growth, and auspiciousness, reflecting India’s agricultural heritage and commitment to environmental harmony.
• Blue wheel-Chakra: The chakra is intended to symbolise that life is in movement and that stagnation leads to death. It emphasises the significance of continuous movement and progress, underscoring the importance of forward motion in the nation’s journey.

10 interesting facts about the National Flag of India:

Here are 10 interesting facts about the Indian National Flag, highlighting its historical significance, symbolism, and regulations:

1. Ashoka Chakra: The Ashoka Chakra in the centre of the flag features 24 spokes, which represent the 24 hours of the day, symbolising the eternal wheel of law and the importance of righteousness; symbolising that life is in movement and that stagnation leads to death.
2. Ashoka Chakra design:  This is inspired by the Dharma Chakra and depicts the “wheel of the law” in the Sarnath Lion Capital, which was created by the 3rd-century BC Mauryan Emperor Ashoka.
3. Flag Code of India: The Flag Code, established in 2002, outlines the rules for displaying and using the national flag, ensuring it is treated with respect.
4. Flag manufacturing: The Indian flag is made from khadi, a hand-spun and hand-woven fabric, symbolising the country’s commitment to self-reliance and the Swadeshi movement.
5. Flag dimensions and size: The dimensions of the flag follow a specific ratio of 2:3, ensuring uniformity in its representation.
6. Bhikaji Cama’s contribution: Bhikaji Cama was the first Indian to raise the flag on foreign soil in 1907 during a revolutionary meeting in Stuttgart, Germany, showcasing India’s aspirations for independence.
7. Mount Everest hoisting: The Indian flag was hoisted on Mount Everest on May 29, 1953, alongside the Union Jack and the Nepalese national flag, marking a significant achievement in Indian mountaineering history.
8. Supreme Court ruling: In 2002, the Supreme Court of India declared the right to hoist the national flag as a fundamental right under Article 19(i)(a) of the Constitution, emphasising its significance in expressing freedom.
9. Flag at the Attari-Wagah border: The Indian flag at the Attari-Wagah border crossing between India and Pakistan is one of the largest in the world, measuring 110 meters in length and 24 meters in width.
10. Special Ceremonies: The flag is ceremonially unfurled by the Prime Minister of India at the Red Fort on Independence Day, while the President unfurls it on Republic Day.

Wishing all our readers a very Happy Independence Day 2024!