78th Independence Day: India is celebrating its 78th Independence Day today, August 15, with zeal and patriotic fervor. Hearts resonate with national colors, driven by a sense of national solidarity. The Indian flag holds immense significance, representing the country’s diversity. Here’ a glimpse of the history and significance of the tricolour or our national flag.
78th Independence Day: India is celebrating its 78th Independence Day on Thursday, August 15, with zeal and patriotic fervor. With the spirit of patriotism surrounding us, every Indian across the world sees the Tricolour with pride and salutes it with respect. Every time we see our nation’s flag fluttering freely in the wind, it’s a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by countless brave hearts for our liberty. It also echoes the diverse yet united spirit that binds us together.
On this day, Tricolour flag can be seen at every house across the country as it holds magnanimous significance, for it represents the diversity the country holds.
History Of The National Flag
The flag, in its present form, was adopted during a meeting of the Constituent Assembly on July 22, 1947, just twenty days before India’s independence. On August 15, 1947, it became the official flag of the country. The spinning wheel was replaced by the Dharma Chakra of Emperor Ashoka, symbolising truth and life. This came to be called the Tiranga.
Significance Of The Three Colours
The three colours–saffron, white, and green–have no communal meaning. The three colours are spread in equal ratios. As per the flag code of India, the flag has a width: height aspect ratio of 3:2. The saffron colour of the national flag represents the strength and courage of the country. The white in the middle is a symbol of peace, while the green colour symbolises fertility, prosperity, and the auspiciousness of the land.
The Ashok Chakra
At the centre of the white band is a navy-blue wheel, which represents the Ashok Chakra, a depiction of the Dharma Chakra. Ashoka Chakra has 24 spokes, representing continuous progress.
The design of the Indian tricolour is largely attributed to Pingali Venkayy. It all started in 1921, when Mahatma Gandhi first proposed a flag to the Indian National Congress.
Venkayya met Gandhi in Bezwada at the All India Congress Committee in 1921 and proposed a design consisting of two red and green bands.
Flag Code Modified For Countrymen
The Flag Code of India was modified in 2002, allowing citizens to display and use the national flag on any day, not just national days as was the case earlier, but with respect and dignity. Citizens are permitted to hoist and unfurl the flag throughout the year, provided they adhere to the guidelines, which include hoisting the flag between sunrise and sunset unless adequately illuminated at night.
Rules Associated With Hoisting The Tricolour
One must keep in mind that the flag should always be in the right hand of the speaker, for ‘right’ represents authority. Whenever the national flag is displayed, it should be spread out. It cannot be deliberately allowed to touch the ground. In conclusion, our national flag represents the citizens of the country. It signifies our unity and sovereignty. It must not be disrespected or looked down upon in any way.
While the Prime Minister hoists the flag from the bottom to the top, a different protocol is observed on Republic Day where the flag is first wrapped or rolled up and positioned atop the flagpole, before being unfurled by the President, instead of a regular hoisting. These practices, carried out on Independence Day, involve more than just raising the Indian flag, they symbolize respect and recognition of our roots and our commitment to uphold the values of justice, equality, and progress that the flag encapsulates. The Indian flag is our beacon of hope and fills our hearts with unparalleled pride, inspiring us all to endeavor for an improved, inclusive future.
Source link
