Journey of the National Flag

Symbol of National Pride

The National Flag is a powerful symbol of a nation’s identity, values, and pride. It embodies the hopes and aspirations of its people, representing unity, patriotism, and collective strength. In India, the flag is not just a piece of cloth, but an expression of sacrifice, struggle, and the spirit of freedom.

The Tiranga

The National Flag of India, popularly known as the Tiranga, has three equal horizontal stripes—saffron at the top, white in the middle, and green at the bottom. At the centre of the white band lies the navy blue Ashoka Chakra, a Dharma Chakra with 24 spokes, derived from the Lion Capital of Emperor Ashoka at Sarnath. The Tiranga signifies courage, peace, faith, and progress, serving as a unifying emblem for the nation.

Early Flags of the Freedom Struggle

• 1905 – The Sister Nivedita Flag: The first known Indian flag, with the words Vande Mataram and the Vajra of Lord Indra, symbolized strength and patriotism.
• 1906 – Kolkata Tricolour: Hoisted by Sir Surendranath Banerjee, this flag had green, yellow, and red stripes, adorned with the Sun, Crescent, and lotuses, marking unity against the Partition of Bengal.
• 1907 – Stuttgart Flag: Designed by Madam Bhikaji Cama, Veer Savarkar, and Shyamji Krishna Varma, it had green, saffron, and red stripes, with Vande Mataram inscribed. It was the first Indian flag unfurled on foreign soil.

Towards the Tricolour

• 1921 – Pingali Venkayya’s Design: At the insistence of Mahatma Gandhi, he created a flag with three horizontal bands and a spinning wheel (Charkha), symbolizing self-reliance.
• 1931 – The Adopted Tricolour: Saffron, white, and green bands with a blue Charkha at the centre became the official flag of the national movement.

Adoption of the National Flag

On 22nd July 1947, the Constituent Assembly adopted the National Flag in its present form. At midnight on 14–15 August 1947, Smt. Hansa Mehta, along with 70 women, presented the first Tiranga to Dr. Rajendra Prasad, marking the dawn of freedom. The flag served first as the emblem of the Dominion of India and later, from 26th January 1950, as the National Flag of the Republic of India.

Modern Significance

In contemporary times, the Government seeks to strengthen the bond between citizens and the Tiranga. The Har Ghar Tiranga campaign encourages people to proudly hoist the flag at their homes, making patriotism a personal and emotional connection.

Commemoration

The Department of Posts pays tribute to the Indian National Flag by issuing a Commemorative Postage Stamp on its evolution. The stamp honours the sacrifices of freedom fighters and unsung heroes who contributed to the rise of a free India and salutes the Tiranga—the everlasting symbol of India’s pride and unity.