Essay on National Flag of India
A national flag is of paramount significance for any country. It symbolises independence & nationality. Every country has its national flag. We also have our National flag which is known as “Tiranga”.
It is called so for its three vibrant colours which signify deep meanings. It is the highest known symbol of dignity, honour, unity, respect for Indians irrespective of any caste, creed, class, language, culture & religion.
Specifications for the National Flag of India
A horizontal rectangular tricolour cloth having a ratio of the width to its length is 2:3 is the specification of the tricolour. The rectangle is further divided into three equal colour bands of deep saffron, white & dark green.
In the middle of the white colour band is the navy-blue coloured wheel, also known as Ashok Chakra with 24 evenly spaced spokes. All the colours & the Ashok Chakra has its unique significance.
- Saffron: It is present at the top of the tricolour, which is a symbol of devotion, courage, selflessness & power. Further, it implies that our leaders must be indifferent to material gains and dedicate themselves to their work.
- White: It is in the middle of tricolour symbolising truth, peace, harmony, sacrifice & purity. It is the light, the path of truth to guide our conduct.
- Green: Bottom strip is green; it is a symbol of the fertility of faith, energy, growth, dignity & greenery surrounding us. It displays our relation to the green nature around us, on which all other life depends.
- Ashok Chakra: It is in the centre of the white band & is a navy blue colour. It is also known as dharma chakra. King Ashoka built it in the 3rd century. The wheel symbolises the vibrant life, the motion. The 24 spokes of the wheel represent 24 hours of a day. It symbolises life must go on; without movement, life becomes stagnant.
History of Indian National Flag
In the year 1921, the flag was first proposed to the Indian National Congress by father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi. Pingali Venkaya designed the flag. In the centre was a spinning wheel, symbolising goal of making Indians self-dependent by fabricating their clothing.
Later the design was modified to include a white stripe between saffron & green for other religious communities. The white colour also provided a background for the spinning wheel. Subsequently, saffron, white and green were chosen for the three bands, representing different values which impact our lives.
On 22nd July 1947, the General Assembly passed it on its session. Then after liberalisation, it became the national flag of India. It was made up of the swadeshi khadi material developed in India.
Since then a few changes have been made in the flag. However, the initial design remains the same. The Bureau of Indian Standards sets the standard & design of the national flag.
Protocol for Displaying the National Flag of India
On our national days, i.e. Republic day, Independence Day, Gandhi Jayanti, we show the feeling of patriotism displaying the national flag on every street, buildings, shops etc.
The Flag Code of India governs usage & display of the flag. Insult to national flag or anything which violates the provision of flag code is a legally punishable act. Following the stated protocols are mandatory for the usage of the same
- The national flag must never touch ground or water & must not be used for draping anything.
- The flag must be flown between sunrise & sunset, irrespective of any weather conditions.
- The flag must not be kept upside down or dipped into anything intentionally. It must not hold any objects to expect the flower petals.
- Whenever displaying two flags, ensure that these are fully spread out horizontally on a wall behind a podium. Their hoists must be towards each other. The flag must not be placed upside down, i.e. saffron colour must be at the top.
- Mounting of the flag should be at an angle to the wall, whenever it is displayed on a short flagpole. When displaying flags on crossed staffs, then hoist should be towards each other.
- The flag should not be used as table cloth, podiums & buildings.
- The flag must be displayed on the right whenever it is displayed indoors because right is the position of authority.
- Whenever the flag is displayed, it must be completely spread out.
- When the Indian flag is flown in India along with other national flags, the starting point must be an Indian flag.
- The flag is flown on the occasion of half-mast as a sign of mourning.
- It cannot be used for any business or personal purposes.
Conclusion
The national flag is the glory of every nation. The Indian national flag symbolises high values which are incorporated into every Indian. It is a symbol of pride, respect, peace for every Indian.
Tiranga deserves respect & love of all the citizens of this independent country. Every Indian should ensure that our flag flies high forever.
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