On July 22, 1947, the Constituent Assembly of India officially adopted the National Flag, marking an important milestone in the country’s journey to independence.
Background of National Flag:
- First Public Display : The first national flag of India was hoisted on August 7, 1906, at Parsee Bagan Square (Green Park) in Kolkata.
- The flag featured three horizontal stripes of red, yellow, and green, with “Vande Mataram” inscribed in the center.
- Symbolism: The red stripe included symbols of the sun and a crescent moon, while the green stripe displayed eight half-open lotuses.
- Design: The flag is thought to have been designed by freedom activists Sachindra Prasad Bose and Hemchandra Kanungo.
- Indian Flag in Germany (1907): Madame Cama and her group of exiled revolutionaries hoisted an Indian flag in Germany. This was the first time the Indian flag was hoisted in a foreign country.
- Home Rule Movement Flag (1917): Dr. Annie Besant and Lokmanya Tilak as part of the Home Rule Movement.
- The flag had alternate red and green horizontal stripes, seven stars in the Saptarishi configuration, a white crescent and star in one top corner, and the Union Jack in the other.
- Pingali Venkayya: Pingali Venkayya, an Indian freedom fighter, is credited with designing the modern Indian tricolour. In 1916, Venkayya conducted extensive research and published a book with various design proposals for the Indian flag.
- At the All India Congress Committee meeting in Bezwada in 1921, Venkayya proposed a preliminary flag design to Gandhi, featuring two bands of red and green to symbolize Hindus and Muslims.
Changes in the Flag
- Color Scheme: The flag retained the same deep saffron, white, and dark green colors as before.
- Symbol Change: The Charkha was replaced by the Ashoka Chakra for practical reasons, ensuring a consistent symbol on both sides of the flag.
- Symbolism: The Ashoka Chakra, representing India’s ancient culture and values, was chosen for its historical significance and the prominent role of Ashoka in world history.
Constitutional Aspect and Legal Aspect:
- According to Article 51A (a), it shall be the duty of every citizen of India to abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the National Flag and the National Anthem.
- Prevention of Insults to National Honour (PINH) Act, 1971: The Act mandates strict penalties for showing disrespect towards the national anthem or violating its regulations. Offenders can face imprisonment for up to 3 years, a fine, or both.
Jawaharlal Nehru’s Resolution on the National Flag
- Resolution Details: Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister, proposed the National Flag of India to be a horizontal tricolour with deep Saffron (Kesari), white, and dark green in equal proportions.
- Design Specifications: A navy blue Wheel representing the Charkha, based on the Chakra from the Sarnath Lion Capital of Ashoka, positioned in the center of the white band.
- The diameter of the Wheel is roughly equal to the width of the white band. The width to length ratio of the Flag is 2:3.
- Adoption: The motion was adopted unanimously by the Assembly.
Flag Code of India
- About: The Flag Code of India is a comprehensive set of guidelines and regulations governing the display, usage, and respect of the national flag.
- Enforcement: Administered by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, the Code outlines strict protocols for hoisting, handling, and displaying the tricolour, ensuring it is treated with dignity and respect.
- Specifications: It details rules on the flag’s proportions, colors, and positioning, and prohibits any use that might undermine its status as a national symbol.
- Purpose: The Flag Code of India aims to preserve the pride and integrity associated with India’s national flag, reinforcing its significance as a symbol of unity, sovereignty, and national identity.