Hi Friends, after an overwhelming response of my previous three articles, it’s my pleasure to be back with another article. This time, I would like to spread little bit of social awareness. As far as response towards my previous articles is concerned, I am pleased to hear that many of you discussed your views on the topics. I am also highly obliged by some of you, who appreciated my writing skill. Still I consider myself as an amateur writer and I want you, my friends to help me out to improve it. However, always remember my priority would always be your views on the topic.Now, let’s get back to these article, I am producing in front of you. Recently, we all celebrated Republic Day and many of us hoisted Indian Flag in our respective places as a part of celebration. I also celebrate the national occasion with my hostel mates in our hostel. In fact, it was the first function organized and celebrated in our hostel by the students and I must say it rocked. When the function was over, I thought about the flag we hoisted, what should be done about the flag? I tried to discuss with some of my friends in the hostel but still it made me think what are the different ways, a flag can be displayed, handled or disposed off as per our Constitution laid down in India. So to find out my answer, I searched out a lot and found very interesting and various facts of our flag, which, may be most of us don’t know?
NATIONAL FLAGNational flag of India, the Tiranga is the significance of the nationality and unity. The national flag of India was designed by Mr. Pingali Venkayya. It shows our freedom over British rule. It also signifies the hopes and aspirations of the people of India. The national flag of India was adopted in 22nd July 1947 by the India's Constituent Assembly. The size of India flag size is 2:3 in ratio with three colors. The motive of the national flag of India is to bring the whole country together.
As usual, I am starting with my first question;
Do you know Mr. Pingali Venkayya?
We feel proud when we fly the Tiranga, but how many people knows about Mr. Pingali Venkayya. I guess none of us. Generally, we know which actor has worked in the latest movie or who scored century in the cricket match. But we don’t know who has contributed in developing India till date. I am not pointing out anyone of my friends, but I am talking about the young generation of our nation including all of us.
Mr. Pingali Venkayya is the man who has given us the national flag of India. He was born in 2nd August 1876 in Hanumantharayudu and Venkataratnamma at Bhatlapennumaru in the Divi Taluka in Krishna district.
Mr. Pingali was the great lover of our country and, he impresses his thinking through the national flag. It has been found that the Mr. Pingali had collected thirty flags from different nation for designing the India flag; this shows the great effort of Mr. Pingali. Thanks and salute to Mr. Pingali, who designed the Tiranga.
MEANING OF THE INDIA NATIONAL FLAG
India Flag is not only a symbol of freedom for we peoples, but it is also a symbol of freedom for all over the world. The tricolor India flag is not only a combination of three colors, but also a combination of culture, significance of unity, and shows the tradition of India.
Friends, it’s my pleasure to present you the specific meaning of the flag's color and chakra. They represent the complete India.
The meaning of saffron color is the power and unity for serve the society. The white color shows truth and simplicity of country. And the green color tells culture and charms of the nation. And most importantly, the chakra shows to working power and energy of the people. The chakra also intends to show that there is life in movement and death in stagnation.
CERTAIN LAW'S FOR THE FLAG
There are certain laws to use of national flag such as the flag should be treated with "dignity, loyalty and respect". According to the Flag Act 1950, the flag should never touch earth and water. It should not be used as a general purpose cloth, cornerstone etc.
Until 2005, it was stipulated the flag could not be used in clothing, uniform or costume. But in 2005, the Government of India amended the code, allowing the use of flag as clothing and uniform. It however cannot be used as clothing below the waist or as undergarments. It is also prohibited to decorate the national flag and other symbols onto pillowcases or neckerchiefs.
The National Flag may be hoisted in educational institutions to inspire respect for the Flag. An oath of allegiance, i.e, loyalty has been included in the flag hoisting in schools. A member of public, a private organization or an educational institution may hoist/display the National Flag on all days and occasions, ceremonial or otherwise consistent with the dignity and honour of the National Flag.
Apart from non-statutory instructions issued by the Government from time to time, display of the National Flag is governed by the provisions of the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950 (No. 12 of 1950) and the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971 (No. 69 of 1971). One of the significant provision related to the national flag is the Flag Code of India
The Flag Code of India was introduced is the year 2002. The Flag Code of India, 2002 is an attempt to bring together all such laws, conventions, practices and instructions for the guidance and benefit of all concerned. This Code took effect from 26th January 2002 and superseded the 'Flag Code-India’s as it existed. As per the provisions of the Flag Code of India, 2002, there are no restriction on the display of the National Flag by members of general public, private organizations, educational institutions, etc., except to the extent provided in the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950 and the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971 and any other law enacted on the subject.
Friends, another interesting fact, which I would like to present in front of you is that we all know about our National Flag being hoisted in Red Fort, Delhi during Independence Day and Republic Day. But, did you know that the India Flag is to be hosted at Red Fort by the Prime Minister of India on Independence Day and by President of India at Republic Day. Now, that’s little bit interesting, and to be frank enough, even I didn’t knew this interesting little fact before!!!
INDIA NATIONAL FLAG - HANDLING OF THE INDIA FLAG
There are a number of traditional rules of respect of handling or displaying the flag. For example, when out in the open, the flag should always be hoisted at sunrise, and lowered at sunset, irrespective of the weather conditions. The flag may be also flown on a public building at night under special circumstances.
The flag should never be depicted, displayed or flown upside down. It is also insulting to display the flag in a frayed or dirty state. The same rule applies to the flagpoles and halyards used to hoist the flag, which should always be in a proper state of maintenance.
CORRECT DISPLAY OF INDIA FLAG
There are different rules in our constitution as well as in the Flag Code of India, 2002, stipulating the ways of displaying our very own National Flag. I would like to describe few of them in front of you, such as;
When it is displayed in a straight line with flags of other countries, the National Flag shall be on the extreme right; i.e. if an observer were to stand in the center of the row of the flags facing the audience, the National Flag should be to his extreme right. The position is illustrated in the diagram below:-
When the National Flag is displayed against a wall with another flag from crossed staffs, the National Flag shall be on the right i.e. the Flag’s own right, and its staff shall be in front of the staff of the other flag. The position is illustrated in the diagram below:-INDIA NATIONAL FLAG - DISPOSAL
When no longer in a fit condition to be used, a flag should be disposed of in a dignified manner, preferably by burning or ground burial.
At last, I would like to inform other certain facts which every Indian Youth should know. I am talking about our various National Symbols of India, viz,
National FLAG - TIRANGA
National LANGUAGE - HINDI
National ANTHEM - JANA-GANA-MANA
National SONG - VANDE MATRAM
National EMBLEM - SATYAMEV JAYATE
National ANIMAL - TIGER
National BIRD - PEACOCK
National FRUIT - MANGO
National FLOWER - LOTUS
National TREE - BANYAN
The main reasoning of this article is to revolunise the Indian Youth and to create awareness among the youth. And, of course, I am promise you many more of this kind is in the pipeline….
Cheers,
NIRAJ M. PANDIT
Mob. 090040 99398
