NATIONAL FLAG DAY
As July 22, 2025, marks another National Flag Day, it prompts a scholarly introspection into the enduring significance of India’s National Flag. This annual observance is not merely a ceremonial acknowledgement but a profound reminder of the historical journey, philosophical underpinnings, and contemporary relevance of a symbol that encapsulates the very essence of a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic. The Tricolour, far from being a static emblem, is a dynamic representation of national identity, sacrifice, and aspiration, constantly interacting with the evolving narrative of the nation.
The genesis of the Indian National Flag is deeply intertwined with the nation’s struggle for independence. While July 22, 1947, marks its formal adoption by the Constituent Assembly, its conceptualization traces back to earlier designs that emerged from the fervent nationalist movements. Early iterations, such as the 1906 Calcutta Flag and Madam Bhikaji Cama’s flag of 1907, reflected nascent nationalist sentiments.
The design presented by Pingali Venkayya to Mahatma Gandhi in 1921, incorporating a spinning wheel, laid the foundational blueprint. This evolution culminated in the present form, where the spinning wheel was replaced by the Ashoka Chakra, a deliberate choice reflecting ancient Indian wisdom and forward momentum. This historical trajectory underscores the flag’s role as a culmination of collective nationalist aspirations, refined through thoughtful deliberation.
Each element of the Tricolour carries profound symbolic weight. The top saffron band represents valour and the spirit of renunciation, a homage to the sacrifices made for the nation’s liberty. The white middle band signifies peace, truth, and purity, articulating the nation’s commitment to ethical conduct and transparency. The green band at the bottom denotes fertility, growth, and the nation’s relationship with its rich natural bounty.
Central to the white band is the navy blue Ashoka Chakra, the “wheel of law” (Dharma Chakra) derived from the Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath. Its 24 spokes epitomize continuous movement and progress, symbolizing life in dynamism and the stagnation associated with inertia. It is a powerful visual metaphor for the nation’s commitment to justice, righteousness, and the relentless pursuit of advancement.
The legal framework governing the flag’s display reinforces its sacred status. The Flag Code of India, 2002, alongside the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, provides detailed guidelines for its hoisting, usage, and respectful handling. These provisions are not arbitrary restrictions but a structured approach to maintain the dignity and sanctity of a national symbol. They prescribe that the flag must always be positioned at a place of honour, never allowed to touch the ground, and never used as drapery or costume. Such regulations ensure that the flag remains an object of reverence, distinct from ordinary objects, and that its display universally conveys respect for the nation.
Beyond its symbolic and legal dimensions, the National Flag possesses a profound significance in binding together a diverse populace. It serves as a visual representation of national unity, transcending linguistic, regional, religious, and socio-economic differences. In a country as heterogeneous as India, the Tricolour stands as a common denominator, reminding citizens of their shared heritage and collective future.
This unifying power is evident in moments of national celebration, such as Independence Day and Republic Day, where its presence evokes a shared sense of belonging and collective pride. It is a constant reminder of the ideals of democracy, justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity enshrined in the Constitution.
Historically, the flag has been a potent rallying point. During the pre-independence era, movements like the Flag Satyagraha in Nagpur in 1923 highlighted the people’s assertion of their right to display the flag, thereby challenging colonial authority.
In the post-independence period, while ceremonial unfurling by the Prime Minister at the Red Fort and Chief Ministers in state capitals has become an established tradition, the flag has consistently appeared during moments of both jubilation and sorrow. It is draped over the coffins of martyrs, acknowledging their supreme sacrifice, and waves prominently during national sporting events, connecting individual achievements to national pride.
In contemporary India, the flag continues to hold immense relevance. Its presence in public spaces, government institutions, educational establishments, and even private homes contributes to a subtle but pervasive sense of nationhood. This phenomenon, often termed “banal nationalism,” integrates the national symbol into the fabric of daily life, embedding the idea of the nation without overt proclamation.
Educational institutions, in particular, play a crucial role in imparting civic responsibility through regular flag-hoisting ceremonies and the singing of the national anthem. The Tricolour thus encourages citizens to reflect on their duties and rights, promoting active participation in the democratic process and adherence to constitutional principles.
National Flag Day in 2025 thus offers an opportunity for reflection, not just on the flag’s visual appeal, but on its profound historical weight, its ethical symbolism, and its continuing role as a central pillar of India’s national identity. It is a symbol that commands respect, not through coercion, but through the inherent values it represents and the collective memory it embodies.
(The Author is Vice Chancellor of BRA Bihar University, is a distinguished academician who holds a profound respect for the Indian Knowledge System. He possesses a deep understanding of Indian ethos and values, reflecting his comprehensive grasp of India’s cultural and moral principles)
