As India prepares to celebrate its 78th Independence Day on August 15th, the Ministry of Culture has shared a compelling video showcasing the evolution of the Indian flag, a symbol of national pride and unity. The video, posted on X (formerly Twitter), traces the flag’s journey from its early beginnings in the pre-independence era to its official adoption in 1947.
The first iteration of an Indian flag, distinct from the British flag, appeared in 1904, designed by Sister Nivedita. This sparked a wave of nationalistic fervor, leading to the hoisting of a tri-color flag with the words ‘Vande Mataram’ in Calcutta during the Swadeshi and Boycott movement of 1906. The flag underwent several transformations in the years that followed, with different designs emerging in 1907, 1917, 1921, and 1931.
The flag’s journey towards the current tricolour saw significant milestones. The first Indian national flag, featuring red, yellow, and green, was hoisted on August 7, 1906, at Parsee Bagan Square in Kolkata. A pivotal moment arrived in 1921 when Pingali Venkayya designed a flag with two primary colors: red and green. However, it was the 1931 landmark resolution that truly established the tricolour as India’s national flag. This flag, the precursor to the current one, displayed saffron, white, and green colors with Mahatma Gandhi’s spinning wheel at its center.
The final iteration of the Indian flag, known as the Tiranga, was officially adopted on July 22, 1947. It incorporates elements from its predecessors, including the saffron and white colors, while replacing the spinning wheel with the Ashoka chakra from the lion capital of Emperor Ashoka. This chakra, featuring 24 spokes, symbolizes perpetual movement and progress. The Tiranga was first hoisted on August 15, 1947, marking the dawn of independent India.
Each color of the Tiranga holds symbolic meaning. The saffron at the top signifies strength, courage, and sacrifice. The white band in the center embodies peace, truth, and purity. The green at the bottom represents fertility, growth, and prosperity. The Ashoka chakra, placed in the center, signifies the Dharma Chakra, emphasizing the importance of righteousness and the constant pursuit of progress.
The ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign, launched as part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, encourages Indians to display the Tiranga at their homes. This campaign aims to foster a personal connection with the national flag, going beyond mere formality. The Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, launched on March 12, 2021, celebrates 75 years of India’s independence and aims to inspire a sense of national pride and unity among citizens.
The Indian flag, through its evolution, has become a potent symbol of India’s journey towards independence and its aspiration for a prosperous and peaceful future. It stands as a reminder of the sacrifices made by countless individuals and the strength and unity of the Indian nation.
