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As India readies to commemorate its 77th Independence Day, preparations are in full swing.
During this year’s celebration, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, renowned for his distinctive headgear and attire on Independence Day, will raise the National Flag at the historic Red Fort and subsequently address the nation.
As part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (AKAM) initiative, the nationwide ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign is set to occur from August 13 to 15, 2023. The campaign aims to encourage individuals to proudly display the national flag at their residences.
Historical Facts of the Indian Tricolour Flag:
- Early Incarnations: The idea of a national flag for India gained momentum during the freedom movement. Early versions often included variations of the tricolour design, but it wasn’t until 1906 that the first recognizable version was hoisted.
- Parsee Bagan Square: On August 7, 1906, the first Indian national flag was raised at Kolkata’s Parsee Bagan Square during a protest against the partition of Bengal. It featured three horizontal stripes of red, yellow, and green.
- Evolution of Colors: The initial flag’s colors held specific meanings: saffron symbolized courage, white represented peace, and green signified prosperity. These colors later evolved to reflect broader national ideals.
- Incorporation of Spinning Wheel: In 1921, Mahatma Gandhi proposed adding the spinning wheel to the flag, representing the self-reliance and economic empowerment of the Indian population.
- Historic Resolution: The Lahore Session of the Indian National Congress in 1929 passed a resolution to adopt the tricolour as the national flag, which was a significant step towards symbolizing India’s struggle for freedom.
- Flag Adoption in 1931: On July 22, 1947, the tricolour flag with the spinning wheel in the center was officially adopted as the national flag of India during the meeting of the Constituent Assembly.
- Ashoka Chakra Addition: In place of the spinning wheel, the Ashoka Chakra was incorporated into the flag’s design. The 24-spoked wheel represented dharma (righteousness), progress, and motion.
- Historic Hoisting on Independence Day: The Indian tricolour flag was hoisted for the first time on August 15, 1947, at the Red Fort in Delhi, marking India’s independence from British rule.
- Flag Code of India: The Indian government, through the Flag Code of India, has laid down guidelines for the correct usage, display, and handling of the national flag to ensure its dignity and respect.
- Symbol of Unity: The Indian tricolour flag continues to symbolize the unity of a diverse nation, reminding citizens of their shared struggle, aspirations, and the journey towards freedom.
These historical facts showcase the evolution and significance of the Indian tricolour flag as a potent emblem of the nation’s freedom and unity.
World Records Achieved with Tiranga:
Guinness World Record: Largest Human Image of Waving National Flag Formed by 5,885 Students!
Responding to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ongoing ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign and elevating it to an international level in honor of India’s 75th Independence Day, the NID Foundation and Chandigarh University successfully established a new Guinness World Record. This achievement involved creating the ‘World’s Largest Human Image of a Waving National Flag.’
Participating alongside 5,885 young male and female students were notable figures including Banwarilal Purohit, Meenakshi Lekhi, S. Satnam Singh Sandhu, Dharam Pal, and other distinguished individuals who also contributed to the flag formation.
Guinness World Record: India Achieves Guinness World Record: 78,220 Flags Simultaneously Waved in Unison
India achieved an exceptional milestone by securing a Guinness world record. A staggering 78,220 individuals in Jagdishpur, Bhojpur, Bihar, India, united on April 23, 2022, to collectively wave the national flag. This remarkable event, a part of the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ celebrations marking 75 years of independence, unfolded in the esteemed presence of Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah.
Guinness World Record:Largest Online Photo Album of People Holding National Flags
On August 15, 2022, Savitribai Phule Pune University, located in Pune, Maharashtra, India, secured a remarkable achievement by creating the largest online photo album of people holding national flags. This album proudly features an impressive collection of 152,559 photos.
The university’s initiative was driven by the desire to honor India’s 75th year of independence. This endeavor was undertaken as a significant contribution to the
nationwide campaign known as ‘Har Ghar Tiranga,’ which aims to ensure that the Indian flag graces every household across the nation.
Worldwide Book of Records: Longest Indian Flag Hoisting on a Mountain
On April 28, 2022, the Indian Adventure Foundation, based in Uttar Pradesh, India, etched its name into history by achieving a remarkable world record. They succeeded in hoisting the longest Indian flag on a mountain, measuring an impressive 280 feet.
This monumental feat was accomplished on January 3, 2022, at an altitude of 12,500 feet on the Kedarkantha Mountain in Uttarakhand, India. This extraordinary achievement has been officially recognized by the Worldwide Book of Records.
India Book of Records: Longest Flag holding
On August 15, 2021, Santhosh Laad Foundation made it to the India Book of Records by carrying a 2000 meter (2km) long 9 feet wide tricolour in a rally with 8,000 people.
International Book of Records: “Smallest Painting of Indian Flag on a Sugar Piece”
On August 3, 2020, Hrishikesh Ray from Jalpaiguri, West Bengal, India, accomplished an exceptional feat.
He masterfully painted the Indian flag on a minuscule sugar piece, measuring just 0.2 square millimeters. Employing synthetic colors, he achieved this remarkable endeavor, which has now earned him a distinguished place in the International Book of Records for setting the world record for the smallest painting of the Indian flag on a sugar piece.
Har Ghar Tiranga: Celebrating the Tricolour’s Splendour
The ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ initiative is much more than a campaign; it’s a movement that seeks to infuse every Indian household with a sense of unity, pride, and patriotism by hoisting the national flag. Let’s explore the beginnings, objectives, and frequently asked questions about this inspiring initiative.
Genesis of ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’:
Launched as part of the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav,’ the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign took root as a visionary initiative by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Commenced to mark India’s 75th year of independence, on 15th August 2022, the campaign envisions involving every Indian home in displaying the tricolour from 13th August to 15th August. This gesture aims to build an intimate connection between citizens and their national flag.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Indian National Flag:
Q1. Is there a set of guidelines for displaying the National Flag?
Yes, the ‘Flag Code of India 2002’ and the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, guide its use, display, and hoisting.
Q2. What is the Flag Code of India?
The Flag Code of India is a comprehensive compilation of laws, conventions, and practices for displaying the national flag. It governs its display by private, public, and government institutions.
Q3. What materials can be used to produce the National Flag?
As per the amended Flag Code of India, 2002, the National Flag can be made of handspun and handwoven or machine-made, cotton/polyester/wool/silk/khadi bunting.
Q4. What is the appropriate size and ratio of the National Flag?
The National Flag must be rectangular and follow a 3:2 ratio of length to height.
Q5. Can I display the National Flag at my home?
Yes, paragraph 2.2 of the Flag Code of India permits individuals, private organizations, and educational institutions to hoist/display the flag on all days with dignity and honor.
Q6. What are the timing guidelines for flying the National Flag?
Following an amendment, the National Flag can now be flown day and night when displayed in open or on a public house.
Q7. How should I display the National Flag at my home?
Ensure it occupies a place of honor and isn’t damaged or disheveled while on display.
Q8. What precautions should I take to avoid incorrect display?
Avoid displaying the flag inverted or dipped in salute, and ensure it’s not covered or used for decoration.
Q9. What rules prevent insult to the National Flag?
Rules state that the flag shall not be used as drapery, worn below the waist, have lettering, cover objects, or be displayed disrespectfully.
Q10. How should the National Flag be displayed in public buildings?
The saffron band should be uppermost on a wall and to the right when displayed vertically. Different rules apply when displayed on vehicles or in a straight line with flags of other nations.
Q11. Should the National Flag be flown at half-mast?
Only on occasions instructed by the Government of India, with specific guidelines for hoisting and lowering.
Q12. Can I display the National Flag on my car?
Limited to specific individuals, as per paragraph 3.44 of the Flag Code of India, 2002.
Q13. How can the Indian National Flag be displayed with flags of other nations?
Rules dictate the position and order when displaying the National Flag with flags of other countries.
Q14. How should the National Flag be disposed of?
Damaged flags should be destroyed privately, preferably by burning, maintaining its dignity.
‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ speaks to our collective commitment to nation-building and our deep-rooted connection with the flag.
As we celebrate the tricolour’s splendour, let’s remember that displaying it in our homes isn’t just a gesture—it’s a declaration of our love, respect, and loyalty towards our great nation.
Q15: How to fold the Tiranga flag?
There is a proper way to fold the Tiranga flag. This video will help you to take care of Tiranga with due respect.
Jai Hind