INDIAN FLAG

The Indian flag is the tricolor flag and is a symbol of independent India. It was adopted as the national flag of India on 22^nd July 1947 by the constituent assembly of India. It has three equal portions divided horizontally with saffron at the top indicating the strength of the nation and its cultural heritage, white band in the middle indicating the peace and truthfulness and green at the bottom showing the fertility of the land and its auspiciousness. The Dharma Chakra is located at the center with 24 spokes to indicate the 24 hours of the day. This is the wheel of law that is found in the Sarnath Lion Capital that was built by King Ashoka of Maurya Dynasty in 3^rd century BC.

The history of the Indian flag dates back to 1904 and since then it saw many evolutions. The first Indian flag was coined by Sister Nivetida with red and yellow color containing Bande Mataram written in the center in Bengali with figure of Vajra and white lotus. Blue, yellow and red color flag was designed in 1906 with Vande Mataram in Devnagiri script. Madam Bhikaji Rustom Cama designed the flag with green, golden saffron and red with Vande Mataram in the middle and this was hoisted on 22^nd August 1907 in Germany.

Pingali Venkayya designed red and green flag with Charka in the middle in 1916. In 1917 Bala Gangadara Tilak designed the flag with red and blue strips with union jack at the top and saptarishi constellation, crescent moon and star at one end. This did not become popular among the people. Mahatma Gandhi wanted to design a flag that would attract all the communities in India. In 1921 a new flag was designed with white at the top, green at the middle and red at the bottom with Charkha across these bands to symbolize the unification of various religions in India. But though this was widely used during Indian freedom struggle, this was not made as the Indian flag.

In 1931 Pingali Venkayya designed a tricolor flag much similar to the present Indian flag but with charka in the middle. This was made as the flag of Indian National Congress and was passed at the meeting of Congress Committee in 1931. In 1947 after the independence of India, a committee was formed under Rajendra Prasad and they made suitable modifications in the flag of India. A small modification was made in the flag of 1931 and Chakra was placed in the center instead of Charka.

The Indian flag is made with the hand woven cloth or Khadi and in the dimension of 3:2. The Indian flag could be used only according to the flag code of India. The flags could be hoisted in educational institutions and by the public or private organization and by individuals. It should not be flown after the sunset and should not be allowed to touch the ground. No other flag should be hoisted higher than the Indian flag. You can see the entire flag code of India here: http://mha.nic.in/pdfs/flagcodeofindia.pdf

Indian flag is the symbol of Indian cultural heritage, its golden past and ancient glory. It reflects the hopes and aspirations of citizens of the nation. Every Indian is proud of his National Flag.