National Flag Day 2023: National Flag Day 22 July every year is celebrated in India. The day commemorates the use of India’s tricolor as the national flag of India prior to independence. The flag was later retained as the national flag of the Republic of India. People in India often refer to the national flag as Tiranga or Tricolor.
Why is Flag Day celebrated on July 22?
The rulers of different states used different flags during the pre-Indian independence movement; British rulers in India first proposed the idea of a single Indian flag after an uprising in 1857, which led to the establishment of direct imperial rule.
The Constituent Assembly was established in August 1947, a few days before India’s independence. On June 23, 1947, the council established a special committee to choose a flag for newly independent India. Rajendra Prasad served as committee chair and the other members were Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Sarojini Naidu, C. Rajagopalachari, KM Munshi and BR Ambedkar.
PT. Jawahar Lal Nehru then proposed the Pingali Vekayya flag at the Constituent Assembly on 22 July 1947, just before India gained its independence from the British on 15 August 1947. Nehru presented the crowd with two flags, one made of Khadi silk and the other made of Khadi cotton. Three horizontal colors of dark red, white and dark green in equal parts, with Ashoka’s wheel in blue in the middle of a strip of white, were unanimously adopted. From August 15, 1947 to January 26, 1950, it symbolized the Autonomous Flag of India, and even then it symbolized the Republic of India.
What is the flag of India?
The Indian flag has three horizontal colors with equal amounts of dark saffron (Kesari) at the top, white in the middle and dark blue at the bottom. The ratio of the width to the length of the flag is two to three. And the center chakra is symbolized by the dark blue wheel in the center of the white ring. Its shape is similar to the wheel seen on the abacus of the Lion Capital of Ashoka, with 24 spokes and a diameter approximately equal to the width of the white band.
Thing | symbolism |
Saffron | Strength and courage |
White | Peace and Truth |
green | Fertility, growth and auspiciousness |
24 spokes | Law wheel |
What about the flag?
The display and use of the flag is governed by the Indian Flags Act, 2002, Symbols and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950; and the National Honor Offenses Prevention Act 1971. Flag insults, including seriously insulting or degrading the national flag, as well as using the national flag in a manner that violates the provisions of the National Flag Code, is punishable by law with imprisonment for up to three years, a fine, or both.
According to the official website ‘Know Your India’, some do’s and don’ts regarding the national flag are:
DO
- The national flag may be displayed in educational institutions (schools, colleges, sports camps, scout camps, etc.) to encourage respect for the flag. The Oath of Allegiance is included in the flying of flags in schools.
- A member of a public, private or educational institution may fly the Flag on all days and occasions, ceremonies or other arrangements, consistent with the dignity and honor of the Flag.
- Part 2 of the new code recognizes the right of all private citizens to fly the flag on their premises.
do not
- Flags may not be used for general merchandise, curtains or clothing. As much as possible, you should fly from sunrise to sunset, regardless of the weather.
- Flags are not allowed to intentionally touch the ground or floor or track in the water. It cannot be hung on the bonnet, top, sides or rear of vehicles, trains, ships or aircraft.
- No other flag or pennant shall be placed higher than the flag. In addition, no objects, including flowers, wreaths or symbols may be placed on or above the flag. Three colors can not be used as flower wire, rose or bouquet.
For the people of India, the national flag has great value and significance. It embodies pride, community and patriotism, evoking strong emotions and a sense of belonging. The flag serves as a symbol of India’s rich cultural heritage and struggle for independence. Showing and respecting the flag is a sign of respect for the country and its principles. It reminds citizens of their collective identity and responsibility to support the values of peace, diversity and progress that the flag represents.
Good and bad days in July 2023
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education