National Flag Day 2024: Honouring the Tricolour

Every year on July 22, India commemorates the adoption of its National Flag, a day steeped in historical significance and national pride. This day marks the adoption of the Tricolour as the National Flag by the Constituent Assembly in 1947, a pivotal moment in India’s journey towards independence and nation-building.

The History

The story of our flag dates back to the early 20th century, amidst the rising fervour of the Indian Independence Movement. The first iteration of an Indian flag was hoisted in 1906 at Parsee Bagan Square in Kolkata. This flag featured three horizontal stripes of green, yellow, and red, symbolising India’s diverse landscape and communities.

In 1921, during a session of the All India Congress Committee at Bezwada (now Vijayawada), Pingali Venkayya, a fervent freedom fighter, and an acclaimed geologist, presented a new design to Mahatma Gandhi. This design included two horizontal stripes of red and green representing the two major communities of India – Hindus and Muslims. Gandhi suggested adding a white stripe and a spinning wheel, symbolising other communities and the country’s progress through self-reliance, respectively.

The final design of the flag, which was adopted on July 22, 1947, was a result of several modifications. The flag consists of three horizontal stripes of saffron, white, and green. Saffron represents courage and sacrifice, white symbolises peace and truth, and green stands for faith and chivalry. At the centre of the white stripe is the Ashok Chakra, a 24-spoke wheel in navy blue, representing the eternal wheel of law and dharm.

Dos and Don’ts regarding Indian national flag

When handling the National Flag, certain dos and don’ts must be observed to honour its significance and maintain its dignity.

Dos:

·        Ensure that the flag is displayed in a clean and undamaged condition

·        Always hoist it with respect and care, and that it is never allowed to touch the ground or be used as a drapery.

·        The flag should be hoisted in the morning and taken down before sunset, or illuminated if displayed at night.

 Don’ts:

·        Never use the flag as a tablecloth, bedspread, or clothing

·        Avoid its use for advertising or commercial purposes

·        The flag should never be dipped to any person or thing, and it should not be allowed to get dirty or faded.

·        Proper disposal of a damaged or worn-out flag involves burning it in a dignified manner, often in the presence of a solemn ceremony

The Manufacturing process

The flag is meticulously manufactured at the Khadi Development and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) units across India, with a notable production facility in Bengaluru.

The process involves precise craftsmanship to ensure that each flag adheres to the specifications set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). The fabric used is typically khadi, a hand-spun and hand-woven cotton, symbolising India’s heritage and self-reliance.

The manufacturing process includes dyeing the fabric in the specified saffron, white, and green colours, and carefully stitching the Ashok Chakra onto the white stripe. The chakra is embroidered with a navy blue thread, ensuring the 24 spokes are accurately represented. Each flag undergoes rigorous quality checks to ensure it meets the national standards for size, colour, and design. This meticulous production process ensures that every flag not only meets official specifications but also embodies the pride and values of the nation.

As the Tricolour flutters in the wind, it evokes a sense of unity and national pride among Indians. The flag is a constant reminder of the values and principles that the nation stands for, and it inspires citizens to work towards the progress and prosperity of the country.