Why is the National Flag Adoption Day observed on July 22?
July 22 is a significant day in the history of India, as it marks the adoption of the national flag, the Tiranga, by the Constituent Assembly in 1947. Just days before India gained independence from British rule, the Constituent Assembly, which was responsible for drafting the Indian Constitution, officially adopted the tricolour flag as the national symbol of the country. In this blog post, we will delve into the history of the Indian national flag, its design, and the significance of National Flag Adoption Day.
The Early Design
The journey of the Indian national flag began in 1921, when Pingali Venkayya, a freedom fighter and artist, designed the first version of the flag. The design featured a spinning wheel, known as the Charkha, in the centre, surrounded by the words “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” (Victory to Mother India). The spinning wheel was a symbol of the Indian independence movement, led by Mahatma Gandhi, who advocated for swaraj (self-rule) and self-sufficiency through the use of hand-spun cotton.
The Evolution of the Design
Over the years, the design of the flag underwent several changes. In 1931, the Indian National Congress adopted a new design, which featured a chakra (wheel) with 24 spokes, surrounded by a red and white circle. The chakra was inspired by the Ashoka Chakra, a symbol of dharma (righteousness) and the wheel of law, which was featured on the Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath.
The Final Design
The final design of the national flag was adopted on July 22, 1947, by the Constituent Assembly. The flag features three horizontal stripes of saffron, white, and green, with the Ashoka Chakra in the centre. The saffron colour represents courage, sacrifice, and the spirit of renunciation, while the white colour symbolizes purity, truth, and peace. The green colour represents faith, fertility, and prosperity. The Ashoka Chakra, with its 24 spokes, represents the eternal wheel of law and the pursuit of truth.
Significance of National Flag Adoption Day
National Flag Adoption Day is observed on July 22 to commemorate the adoption of the national flag by the Constituent Assembly. The day is significant because it marks the culmination of the freedom struggle and the birth of a new nation. The adoption of the national flag is a symbol of the unity and diversity of the Indian people, and it represents the country’s commitment to democratic values and principles.
Interesting Facts
- The Indian national flag is also known as the Tiranga, which is a Sanskrit word that means “tricolour”.
- The flag is made of a special fabric called “Khadi”, which is a hand-spun cotton fabric.
- The flag has a unique ratio of 2:3, which means that the width of the flag is two-thirds of its length.
- The flag is hoisted at 7:00 am every day and lowered at sunset.
- The national flag is flown at half-mast on all government buildings and institutions on Republic Day (January 26) and Independence Day (August 15).
Conclusion
National Flag Adoption Day is a significant day in Indian history, which commemorates the adoption of the national flag by the Constituent Assembly on July 22, 1947. The flag is a symbol of the country’s freedom, unity, and diversity, and it represents the values of democracy, secularism, and socialism. As we celebrate this day, let us remember the sacrifices of our freedom fighters and the struggles they underwent to achieve independence. Let us also remember to respect and protect our national flag, which is a symbol of our nation’s pride and dignity.
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