The National Flag of India, also called the 'Tiranga', was adopted on 22nd July 1947. Browse through this article, to explore Indian National Flag.
National Flag of India
The National Flag of India, also called the
'Tiranga', was adopted during an ad hoc meeting of the Constituent
Assembly of the country. The meeting was held on the 22nd July 1947,
twenty-four days prior to India's independence from the British (which
took place on 15th August 1947). Based on the flag of the Indian
National Congress, which was designed by Pingali Venkayya, the flag is
also the war flag Indian Army, hoisted daily on military installations.
The heraldic description of Indian National Flag is Party per fess
Saffron and Vert on a fess Argent a "Chakra" Azure.
Design
National Flag of India has been designed in such a way that it forms a
horizontal tricolor, with the colors - saffron, white and green, in
equal proportions. The deep saffron (kesari) color is at the top; white
is in the middle, while dark green forms the bottom. The ratio of the
width of the flag to its length is 2:3. In the centre of the white band
of the flag is a navy blue wheel, comprising of 24 spokes, which
represents the Ashoka Chakra, seen on the abacus of the Sarnath Lion
Capital of Ashoka. The diameter of the chakra approximates to
three-fourth of the width of the white band of the flag.
Significance
The preamble of the flag code of India describes the significance of
the colors and the chakra in the 'Tiranga'. It was amply described by
Dr. S. Radhakrishnan in the Constituent Assembly that unanimously
adopted the National Flag. Dr. S. Radhakrishnan explained:
“Bhagwa or the saffron colour denotes renunciation of
disinterestedness. Our leaders must be indifferent to material gains and
dedicate themselves to their work. The white in the centre is light, the
path of truth to guide our conduct. The green shows our relation to
soil, our relation to the plant life here on which all other life
depends. The Ashoka Wheel in the center of the white is the wheel of the
law of dharma. Truth or satya, dharma or virtue ought to be the
controlling principles of those who work under this flag. Again, the
wheel denotes motion. There is death in stagnation. There is life in
movement. India should no more resist change, it must move and go
forward. The wheel represents the dynamism of a peaceful change.”
Flag Code
After 52 years, the citizens of India are free to fly the Indian
National Flag over their homes, offices and factories on any day. On
26th January 2002, the flag code was changed, giving Indians the freedom
to proudly display the national flag any where and any time. However,
there are still some rules and regulations upon how to fly the flag,
based on the 26th January 2002 legislation, which should be followed by
the citizens. These rules and regulation includes certain dos and
don'ts, which have been explained below.
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.
- A member of public, a private organization or an educational
institution may hoist/display the National Flag on all days and
occasions, ceremonial or otherwise, consistent with the dignity and
honor of the National Flag.
- Section 2 of the new 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.
As far as possible, it should be flown from sunrise to sunset,
irrespective of the weather.
- The flag cannot be intentionally allowed to touch the ground or
the floor or trail in water. It cannot be draped over the hood, top,
and sides or back of vehicles, trains, boats or aircraft.
- No other flag or bunting can be placed higher than the flag.
Also, no object, including flowers or garlands or emblems, can be
placed on or above the flag. The tricolor cannot be used as a
festoon, rosette or bunting.
