Know Your National Flag

1. What distinguishes a flag from a national flag?
A flag is a piece of cloth attached to a pole, symbolizing a group, community, organization, or individual. It can vary in design, size, and purpose. On the other hand, a national flag is more than just cloth—it is the highest, officially authorized symbol of a nation. It represents the country’s identity, ideals, aspirations, and pride. Throughout history, people have sacrificed their lives for national flags, as they are powerful symbols of patriotism.

2. What is the nickname of our national flag?
Our flag is affectionately called the Tiranga, meaning “tricolor.” However, this nickname is somewhat inaccurate as the flag has four colors, including the navy blue of the Ashoka Chakra, often overlooked.

3. When was the national flag of independent India adopted?
India’s national flag was adopted on July 22, 1947, by the Constituent Assembly, following the British government’s declaration of India’s independence on August 15, 1947.

4. Who designed the national flag adopted in 1947?
The design submitted by Mrs. Suraiya Badr-ud-Din Tyabji, an accomplished artist, was approved by the Flag Committee on July 17, 1947. Her husband, B.H.F. Tyabji, was a Deputy Secretary in the Constituent Assembly Secretariat.

5. Where was the first official flag hoisting outside India on August 15, 1947?
The first official hoisting of the Tiranga outside India was at the residence of Sir Raghunath Paranjype, the High Commissioner of India in Canberra, Australia, at 12:00 PM local time, three hours before the flag was hoisted in India at 10:30 AM.

6. What anthem was played at the UN Headquarters on August 15, 1947?
Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose’s version of Jana Gana Mana, recorded as the anthem of his army, was played at the UN. Interestingly, Jana Gana Mana was not officially adopted as the national anthem until January 24, 1950.

7. Who presented the first Tiranga to Dr. Rajendra Prasad?
Mrs. Hansa Mehta, an educationist and freedom fighter, led a group of 72 women to present the first Tiranga to Dr. Rajendra Prasad in the Constituent Assembly’s Central Hall on the midnight of August 14-15, 1947.

8. Who made the statement about women gifting the flag on August 14-15, 1947?
Mrs. Hansa Mehta remarked, “It is in the fitness of things that the first flag of free India…should be a gift from the women of India.”

9. Where was the flag first hoisted in India on August 15, 1947?
The Tiranga was first hoisted at the Council House (now Parliament House) at 10:30 AM. Lord Mountbatten lowered the Union Jack, and Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru raised the Tiranga.

10. When was the flag first unfurled at the Red Fort?
The first flag hoisting at the Red Fort occurred on August 16, 1947, at 8:30 AM, as August 15 was occupied with other official formalities.

11. Where was the flag first publicly hoisted in New Delhi on August 15, 1947?
Pandit Nehru hoisted the Tiranga at Princess Park near India Gate in the afternoon. A rainbow appeared in the sky during the ceremony, astonishing many, including Lord Mountbatten.

12. How many colors are in the national flag?
The flag has four colors: saffron, white, green, and navy blue (for the Ashoka Chakra).

13. What are the official names of the saffron and green in the flag?
The saffron is officially called “India-Saffron,” and the green is “India-Green.” These names ensure uniformity in describing the colors internationally.

14. What does the saffron color signify?
Saffron symbolizes courage, sacrifice, and the spirit of renunciation. It also represents wisdom, action, and the scorched earth under the Indian sun, reflecting spiritual life.

15. What does the white color signify?
White signifies purity, peace, and truth. It symbolizes the sun’s rays, unity, and harmony among all religions and languages in India.

16. What does the green color signify?
Green represents growth, vegetation, agriculture, and our connection to the earth. It also symbolizes hope and sustenance.

17. What does the blue color in the flag signify?
The blue of the Ashoka Chakra represents the sky and sea, inner energy, and progress. Its 24 spokes denote continual movement and growth.

18. What is the significance of the Ashoka Chakra?
The Ashoka Chakra, a solar symbol derived from the Sarnath Lion Capital, was chosen for its beauty and symbolism. It represents India’s continual progress and the wheel of dharma.

19. How many spokes are in the Ashoka Chakra?
The Ashoka Chakra has 24 spokes, signifying the 24 hours of the day.

20. What is the color of the Ashoka Chakra?
The Ashoka Chakra is navy blue and is positioned at the center of the white band.

21. How is saffron created for the flag?
Saffron is created by mixing red (symbolizing valour and action) and yellow (representing wisdom) in a specific ratio.

22. Who suggested replacing the Charkha with the Ashoka Chakra?
Mr. Badr-ud-Din Tyabji, a Deputy Secretary of the Constituent Assembly, proposed replacing the Charkha with the Ashoka Chakra. Dr. Rajendra Prasad advised him to consult Mahatma Gandhi before finalizing the change.