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India Today
a day ago
- General
- India Today
Decoding the tricolour: What the Indian flag colours symbolise
The Indian National Flag, known as the Tiranga or Tricolour, is a vibrant emblem of India's identity, heritage, and values. Each band and element on the flag carries deep historical and philosophical meaning, rooted in India's struggle for independence and its diverse cultural STRUCTURE OF THE FLAGThe flag consists of three horizontal stripes of equal width:Top: Deep Saffron (Kesariya)advertisement Middle: White (with a navy blue Ashoka Chakra in the center)Bottom: India GreenThe Ashoka Chakra is a 24-spoked navy blue wheel at the flag's official proportion is 2:3, with the three stripes of identical SYMBOL OF COURAGE AND SACRIFICEThe top saffron band represents:Courage, strength, and sacrifice: It highlights the spirit of selfless service, the legacy of martyrs, and the determination that powered India's freedom and selflessness: Saffron, associated with India's spiritual traditions, calls upon leaders and citizens alike to prioritise national good over personal SIGN OF PEACE, TRUTH, AND HONESTYThe middle white band stands for:Peace and truth: White projects India's commitment to harmony, non-violence, and peaceful coexistence among its diverse and honesty: The color underlines justice, transparency, and the guiding path of truth in public Chakra: Set in the center, this navy blue wheel or 'Dharma Chakra' (Wheel of Law) is inspired by the Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath and invokes the ideals of justice, progress, and the dynamism of life and change. Its 24 spokes represent righteous conduct and forward EMBLEM OF FAITH, FERTILITY, AND PROSPERITYThe bottom green band symbolisesFertility and growth: Rooted in India's agricultural foundations, green denotes the country's rich natural wealth and bountiful and chivalry: It conjures hope, renewal, and the importance of environmental Green is also associated with vibrancy, happiness, and the promise of a flourishing ASHOKA CHAKRA: ETERNAL WHEEL OF LAWPlacing the navy blue Ashoka Chakra at the center of the white band brings additional layers of meaning:Progress and righteousness: The 24-spoke wheel, derived from Emperor Ashoka's symbolism, embodies motion, justice, and the law of It highlights the principle that India must always move forward, adapting and progressing in tune with universal current design, formulated by Pingali Venkayya and adopted on July 22, 1947, is the result of several iterations during India's freedom movement. Earlier flags used different colors and symbols, sometimes with communal significance. The final version was deliberately crafted to emphasize unity, secularism, and inclusiveness, avoiding any sectarian Tiranga is more than a national emblem—it is a daily reminder of the principles that bind the Republic of India.- EndsMust Watch
Indian Express
a day ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
National Flag Day in India 2025: Know the date, history, significance, and more
Every year on July 22, India commemorates National Flag Day, also known as Tiranga Adoption Day. This year, it's being observed on July 22, 2025, falling on Tuesday. On July 22, 1947, the Constituent Assembly of India officially adopted the Indian National Flag, known as the Tiranga, which means Tricolour. The Indian flag evolved over time, with various designs proposed and used during the freedom struggle, with the earliest flag, created by Sister Nivedita in 1904, featuring red and yellow colours symbolising victory and power, with 'Vande Mataram' inscribed in Bengali. After several modifications over the years, the present-day flag, the 'tiranga' was adopted with three coloured stripes – saffron, white, and green – and the Ashoka Chakra replacing the charkha as the national emblem, was officially adopted on July 22, 1947. On August 15, 1947, India gained independence and Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of Independent India, hoisted the Tricolour, the national flag of India, for the first time. National Flag Day instills a sense of pride, patriotism, and national unity among citizens, while encourages reflection on civic responsibilities, upholds the dignity of the national flag, as outlined in the Flag Code of India, and abides by its values. Each colour in the Indian national flag has a significant meaning which reflects the country's values and aspirations, while highlighting the sacrifices and struggles of countless freedom fighters who laid down their lives for India's independence. On this day, schools, government institutions, and various organisations often conduct ceremonies and educational programmes to raise awareness about the flag's history, symbolism, and the rules for its display.
Indian Express
a day ago
- General
- Indian Express
Knowledge Nugget: National Flag Day —10 must-know facts for UPSC Exam
Take a look at the essential events, concepts, terms, quotes, or phenomena every day and brush up your knowledge. Here's your UPSC current affairs knowledge nugget for today on National Flag Day, focusing on the important facts related to the national flag. (Relevance: The topic of the evolution of the Indian national flag and important aspects of it holds relevance for the UPSC exam, as previously, questions have been asked on this theme (do check them in the post-read questions). Thus, knowing about it from a holistic perspective becomes essential.) On July 22, 1947, the Constituent Assembly of India adopted the National Flag. The adoption of the tricolour marked a pivotal moment in India's journey towards establishing itself as an independent nation free from colonial rule. In this context, let's know about the Indian national flag in detail through 10 must-know facts about it. 1. Evolution of the Indian National Flag : In the early stages of India's freedom struggle, the need for a unifying flag emerged, leading to Sister Nivedita's proposal in 1904, featuring red and yellow colours symbolising victory and strength, along with 'Vande Mataram' inscribed in Bengali. The first tricolour flag appeared in 1906, showcasing blue, yellow, and red stripes with eight stars representing provinces. Subsequent designs included the 'Calcutta flag' in 1906, the Berlin flag in 1907 by Madam Bhikaji Cama, and the Home Rule flag in 1917, each reflecting the evolving nationalist sentiment. With India's independence announced by Lord Mountbatten in 1947, an ad hoc flag committee led by Dr Rajendra Prasad was established to create a flag representative of all communities. Following Gandhi's approval, it was decided to adopt a modified version of Pingali Venkayya's flag, which previously featured a charkha, was altered to the current flag with the Ashoka Chakra at its centre. 2. Adopted by Constituent Assembly on July 22, 1947: With three coloured stripes – saffron, white, and green – and the Ashoka Chakra replacing the charkha as the national emblem, the Trianaga or tricolour flag was officially adopted as the national flag of India on July 22, 1947. 3. Meaning and significance behind the Tiranga (Tricolour Flag) :Each colour in the Indian National Flag carries profound symbolism, reflecting the nation's values and aspirations: ♦ Saffron: The top band signifies courage, sacrifice, and the spirit of renunciation, representing the valour and sacrifices of freedom fighters. ♦ White: The middle band embodies purity, truth, and peace. ♦ Green: The lowermost band symbolises fertility, growth, and auspiciousness, reflecting India's agricultural heritage and commitment to environmental harmony. ♦ Blue wheel-Chakra: The chakra is intended to symbolise that life is in movement and that stagnation leads to death. It emphasises the significance of continuous movement and progress, underscoring the importance of forward motion in the nation's journey. 4. Ashoka Chakra in Flag: The Ashoka Chakra in the centre of the flag features 24 spokes, which represent the 24 hours of the day, symbolising the eternal wheel of law and the importance of righteousness. This is inspired by the Dharma Chakra and depicts the 'wheel of the law' in the Sarnath Lion Capital, which was created by the 3rd-century BC Mauryan Emperor Ashoka. 5. Flag dimensions and size: The flag can be as big or small as one wants, but the dimensions of the flag follow a specific ratio. 'The ratio of the length to the height (width) of the National Flag shall be 3:2.' So, the flag must always be a rectangle rather than a square or any other shape. 6. First Indian to raise the flag on foreign soil: Madam Bhikaiji Cama was the first Indian to hoist the Indian flag on foreign soil on 22 August 1907 during a revolutionary meeting in Stuttgart, Germany, showcasing India's aspirations for independence. 7. Flag Code of India: The use, display and hoisting of the National Flag in the country is guided by an overarching set of instructions called the 'Flag Code of India 2002'. It brings together all laws, conventions, practices, and instructions for the display of the National Flag. It governs the display of the National Flag by private, public, and government institutions. It took effect on January 26, 2002. According to the Flag Code of India, paragraph 2.2, which came into effect on January 26, 2002, any person, organisation, private or public, or educational institution (including scout camps) can hoist or display the Tricolour on 'all days or occasions in accordance with the dignity and honour of the National Flag'. It is against rules to display a damaged or disheveled National Flag. At all times, the National Flag must be displayed in a position of honour and should be distinctly placed.'No other flag or bunting shall be placed higher than or above or side by side with the National Flag; nor shall any object including flowers or garlands, or emblem be placed on or above the flagmast from which the National Flag is flown'. The Tricolour should never be used as a festoon, rosette, bunting or for a decorative purpose. No advertisements should be festooned to the pole from which it flies. Traditionally, the Indian National Flag is folded in a rectangular shape, ensuring the saffron band remains on top. According to Section 2 of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, 'whoever in any public place or in any other place within public view burns, mutilates, defaces, defiles, disfigures, destroys, tramples upon or otherwise brings into contempt (whether by words, either spoken or written, or by acts) the Indian National Flag….shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years or with a fine, or with both'. The Tricolour should not be stored in a way that might dirty or damage it. In case flag is damaged, the Flag Code instructs not to cast it aside or treat it disrespectfully but 'destroy it as a whole in private, preferably by burning or by any method consistent with the dignity of the flag'. People, who are waving flags made of paper, should not throw these on the ground after the ceremony. The flag 'shall not be allowed to touch the ground or the floor or trail in the water'. 8. Flag manufacturing: After an amendment on December 30, 2021, the material of the flag has been decided as 'handspun and handwoven or machine-made, cotton, polyester, wool, silk or khadi bunting.' 9. National Flag on vehicles: Notably, the National Flag cannot be flown on any vehicle except those of the President, Vice President, Prime Minister, Governor and other dignitaries. The flag should also not be used to cover the sides, back, and top of any vehicle. 10. Right to hoist the national flag is a fundamental right: In 2002, the Supreme Court of India declared the right to hoist the national flag as a fundamental right under Article 19(i)(a) of the Constitution, emphasising its significance in expressing freedom. 1. The design of the Indian tricolour is largely attributed to Pingali Venkayya, an Indian freedom fighter. Venkayya was born in Machilipatnam, Andhra Pradesh on August 2, 1876. He went to school in Madras and then to Cambridge University. He joined the British Indian Army and was in South Africa where he met Mahatma Gandhi, became his disciple and plunged into the freedom movement. 2. After returning to India, he published a book of flags containing 30 different designs in 1916. He wrote letters to freedom fighters including Mahatma Gandhi informing them about his idea of having a national flag and he spoke about it at Congress meetings. 3. In 1921, at a meeting in Vijayawada, Mahatma Gandhi and other leaders approved Venkayya's design. The first design comprised only two bands—red and green—and a charkha but on the insistence of Mahatma Gandhi, Venkayya added a white band. Subsequently, the red colour band was changed to saffron and the Ashok Chakra replaced the charkha. 4. Venkayya passed away on July 4, 1963. In 2009, a stamp was issued in his memory. (1) Consider the following statements in respect of the National Flag of India according to the Flag Code of India, 2002: (UPSC CSE 2023) Statement-I: One of the standard sizes of the National Flag of India is 600 mm * 400 mm. Statement-II: The ratio of the length to the height (width) of the Flag shall be 3:2. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect (d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct (2) What is the number of spokes in the Dharmachakra in the National Flag of India? (UPSC CSE 2008) (a) 16 (b) 18 (c) 22 (d) 24 (Sources: How the tricolour was adopted by the Constituent Assembly, India's 78th Independence Day: 10 interesting facts about the our National Flag, Explained: What are the rules for displaying the Tricolour?, Who was Pingali Venkayya?) Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – Indian Express UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for June 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at Roshni Yadav is a Deputy Copy Editor with The Indian Express. She is an alumna of the University of Delhi and Jawaharlal Nehru University, where she pursued her graduation and post-graduation in Political Science. She has over five years of work experience in ed-tech and media. At The Indian Express, she writes for the UPSC section. Her interests lie in national and international affairs, governance, economy, and social issues. You can contact her via email: ... Read More
Hans India
a day ago
- General
- Hans India
Honouring the symbol of unity and pride
National Flag Day in India, observed annually on July 22, marks a moment of national pride and remembrance. On this day in 1947, the design of the Indian national flag was officially adopted by the Constituent Assembly, just weeks before India gained independence. This day serves not only as a celebration of the flag itself but also as a reflection on the values it represents—freedom, unity, and sacrifice. The Indian National Flag, commonly known as the Tiranga, features three horizontal bands of saffron, white, and green, with a navy blue Ashoka Chakra (wheel) at its center. Each colour holds deep significance: • Saffron symbolizes courage and selflessness. • White represents peace and truth. • Green stands for growth and prosperity. • The Ashoka Chakra, with its 24 spokes, signifies the eternal wheel of law and dharma. Designed by Pingali Venkayya, a freedom fighter and agriculturalist, the flag was the result of years of struggle and evolution, reflecting the hopes of a nation on the cusp of independence. National Flag Day is a time to reflect on the sacrifices made by countless Indians during the freedom movement. It reminds citizens—especially the younger generation—of the importance of national identity and the responsibilities that come with it. Schools, colleges, and civic institutions often organise flag-hoisting ceremonies, patriotic programs, and awareness drives to educate people about the flag's history and significance.
News18
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Anirudh Ravichander To Marry Kavya Maran?; Ram Charan-Upasana Send Mango Pickle To Pregnant Kiara
Last Updated: Anirudh Ravichander and SRH owner Kavya Maran spark wedding rumours, while Kiara Advani gets a sweet surprise from Game Changer co-star Ram Charan and his wife Upasana. Anirudh Ravichander, one of the most sought-after music composers in the South film industry, is reportedly set to marry the daughter of Sun Group chairman Kalanithi Maran, Kavya Maran. The rumours began after a viral Reddit post claimed that the duo have been dating for over a year and are now considering marriage. An official confirmation from both Anirudh and Kavya are awaited. Bollywood actress Kiara Advani is expecting her first child with hubby Sidharth Malhotra. The actress recently received a heartfelt and flavourful surprise from her Game Changer co-actor Ram Charan and his wife Upasana Konidela! The couple sent mom-to-be Kiara jars of homemade mango pickle from Athamma's Kitchen, a culinary venture founded by Upasana and her mother-in-law Surekha Konidela. For More: Ram Charan-Upasana Send Mango Pickle To Pregnant Kiara Advani, Mom-To-Be Thanks 'Lovelies' Businessman and polo player Sunjay Kapur, who was once married to actress Karisma Kapoor, passed away in London on Thursday. He was 53. Reports say he suffered a heart attack while playing a polo match. It's believed the incident happened after he accidentally swallowed a bee, which led to a sting and caused him to suffocate. For More: What Were Sunjay Kapur's Last Words? Karisma Kapoor's Ex-Husband Said THIS Before Death The laughter is set to return to our screens as The Great Indian Kapil Show gears up for its highly anticipated third season, and fans couldn't be more excited. Hosted by the ever-charismatic Kapil Sharma, the show has long been a staple for Indian families seeking comedy, camaraderie, and celebrity banter. And now, with the premiere scheduled for June 21 at 8 PM, the team is pulling out all the stops—including opening the season with none other than Bollywood's beloved Salman Khan. When Aamir Khan's movie Dangal hit theatres in 2026, it did not release in Pakistan. Do you know why? Because the censor board of our neighbouring country had asked the makers to remove two things from the movie – the Indian National Flag and the Indian National Anthem. First Published: June 14, 2025, 22:15 IST
