Journey of the National Flag

The flag serves as a symbol of a country’s values and pride, setting it apart from the rest of the world. It is an identity of the people in front of the world and is connected with patriotic emotions. The National Flag symbolizes the norms, values, beliefs, and rules of the nation and its people. The importance of the flag and the act of waving it outside homes and offices is a significant tool for expressing patriotic emotions and love for the country.

The National Flag of India, commonly known as Tiranga, represents the hopes and aspirations of the Indian people. It is a symbol of our national pride, comprising three equal, parallel, and rectangular stripes of Indian saffron (Kesari) at the top, white in the middle, and Indian green at the bottom. In the center of the white band lies a navy blue-colored Dharma Chakra, also called Ashoka Chakra, with 24 equally spaced spokes. This Wheel is derived from the Lion Capital of the Great Mauryan emperor Ashoka, discovered at Sarnath near Varanasi.

The evolution of the Indian Flag reflects the freedom struggle of India. The first Indian flag emerged in 1905, crafted by Sister Nivedita, an Irish disciple of Swami Vivekananda. In 1906, another tricolor flag was designed, featuring green at the top, yellow in the middle, and red at the bottom, with symbols of the Sun and a crescent, along with eight half-opened lotuses. Subsequent versions were developed in 1907 and 1921, each with its unique design and significance.

However, it was in 1947 that the present form of the Indian National Flag was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on 22nd July. Smt. Hansa Mehta presented the first National Flag of independent India to Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Chairman of the Constituent Assembly, on the midnight of 14-15 August 1947. It first served as the National Flag of the Dominion of India from 15th August 1947 to 26th January 1950 and, thereafter, as the National Flag of the Republic of India.

In modern times, the government aims to foster a personal relationship between the National Flag and citizens, evoking a sense of patriotism in their hearts. Initiatives like the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign encourage citizens to hoist the national flag at home.

The Department of Posts salutes the spirit of the Indian National Flag and acknowledges the sacrifices of all freedom fighters and unsung heroes who contributed to the rise of a free and independent India. The Department of Posts is pleased to issue a stamp commemorating the evolution of the Indian Flag and saluting the Indian National Flag, a symbol of national pride for the entire nation.