'A Flag of Freedom': Celebrating the National Flag Day 2024

“Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it, it flies with the last breath of each soldier who died protecting it.” This quote always sums up the feeling of each and every Indian who feels proud when he sees the Tiranga flying high in the sky. The tricolour of India, the Tiranga, not only represents the country but also represents the sacrifice of millions of people across the nation who made the supreme sacrifice for freedom. It represents harmony, cultural heritage, and unity in diversity. 

In his speech when the flag was adopted by the Assembly, first Prime Minister of India Jawahar Lal Nehru said that he felt a glow and warmth seeing the flag; he said, “glow and warmth which I feel at the present moment,” and the “concentrated history through which all of us have passed during the last quarter of a century.” 

He also said that he and the other House members remembered how the flag gave them the strength to fight; he said, “looked up to this Flag not only with pride and enthusiasm but with a tingling in our veins; also how when we were sometimes down and out…the sight of this Flag gave us courage to go on.” Nehru also remembered the freedom fighters, who made the supreme sacrifice for the nation, and paid homage to them and said, “who have passed, held on to this Flag, some amongst them even unto death and handed it over as they sank, to others to hold it aloft.” 

National Flag Day is a significant event in India, celebrated annually on July 22 to honour the adoption of the national flag by the Constituent Assembly in 1947. This day serves as a reflection on the flag's historical significance and the values it embodies—independence, unity, and the country's rich heritage. As India prepares to celebrate National Flag Day 2024, this article delves into its history, key facts, objectives, theme, and significance.

About National Flag Day

National Flag Day in India commemorates the historic day when the Constituent Assembly adopted the present-day tricolour flag as the official National Flag. The flag, with its deep saffron, white, and Indian green stripes and the Ashoka Chakra in the centre, symbolises India's independence, unity, and heritage. This occasion not only celebrates the flag but also raises public awareness about its role in symbolising the nation's journey.

History of National Flag Day

The journey of the Indian National Flag began in the early 20th century and culminated in its formal adoption in 1947. Here’s a chronological overview of its evolution:

Early Designs and Origins

• 1906: Pingali Venkayya, a freedom fighter from Andhra Pradesh, designed the first Indian National Flag. It featured a horizontal tricolour of red, yellow, and green with a white crescent and star in the centre.
• 1917: The flag was modified to include saffron at the top, white in the middle, and green at the bottom, with the crescent and star moved to the top left corner.

Introduction of the Ashoka Chakra

• 1921: Mahatma Gandhi proposed a new design featuring a spinning wheel (charkha) to symbolise progress. This design also included the tricolour of saffron, white, and green. Subsequently, the Ashoka Chakra, a 24-spoke wheel representing the Wheel of Law in Buddhism, was introduced in the centre of the white stripe.

Adoption by Indian National Congress

• 1931: The Indian National Congress formally adopted the tricolour flag as its official flag, symbolising the unity and diversity of India’s freedom movement.

Adoption as the National Flag

• 1947: On July 22, 1947, the Constituent Assembly of India adopted the current form of the National Flag, retaining the tricolour of saffron, white, and green with the Ashoka Chakra in navy blue at its centre. This adoption came just before India’s independence on August 15, 1947.

Present Status

Since its adoption, National Flag Adoption Day has become an annual commemoration of national unity and freedom. The day is observed nationwide with great reverence, marking the adoption of the tricolour flag as a symbol of India’s sovereignty and aspirations.

In the speech, Nehru also said that “This Flag…is not…a Flag of Empire, a Flag of Imperialism, a Flag of domination over any body, but a Flag of freedom not only for ourselves, but a symbol of freedom to all people who may see it. …Wherever it may go…it will bring a message, I hope, of freedom to those people, a message of comradeship, a message that India wants to be friends with every country of the world and India wants to help any people who seek freedom.”

National Flag of India

The national flag of India, known as the “Tiranga” or “Tricolor,” is a powerful symbol of the country’s independence, sovereignty, and unity. Adopted on July 22, 1947, the flag's design elements and their symbolism are as follows:

National Flag Day 2024 Celebrations

National Flag Day 2024, celebrated on July 22, will commemorate the adoption of India’s National Flag. While the specific theme for this year’s celebrations has not yet been announced, activities and events will be organised around the theme once declared. These celebrations will focus on honouring the flag’s symbolism, reflecting on its historical significance, and promoting national unity and pride.

The Significance of National Flag Day Celebrations

The importance of Indian National Flag Day celebrations lies in their role as a commemoration of a pivotal moment in India’s journey towards independence and national identity. Here are key points highlighting its significance:

• Historical Commemoration: National Flag Day marks the adoption of India’s tricolour National Flag by the Constituent Assembly in 1947, a crucial milestone in the nation’s history.
• Symbol of Unity and Identity: The National Flag embodies the unity, diversity, and aspirations of the Indian people, reminding us of the sacrifices made by freedom fighters.
• Educational Value: Through various activities such as workshops, lectures, and exhibitions, National Flag Day fosters a deeper understanding of the flag’s history and significance.
• Patriotic Sentiment: Celebrations evoke a sense of pride and patriotism, encouraging respect for national symbols and reinforcing the values of independence, sovereignty, and national pride.
• Community Engagement: The day brings together people from all walks of life to participate in events that strengthen national spirit and unity.
• Promotion of Civic Responsibility: Reflecting on the meaning behind the flag promotes civic responsibility and encourages active participation in nation-building efforts.

As India prepares to celebrate National Flag Day 2024, the nation comes together to honour the tricolour and reflect on the values it represents, reaffirming its commitment to unity, diversity, and progress.