Tiranga: The Soul of India in Three Sacred Colours”
Introduction
The Tiranga, the national flag of India, is not just a piece of fabric but a living symbol of the nation's freedom, unity, diversity, and sacrifice. A flag is more than just its physical form; it is an emblem of the identity and soul of a country For Indians, the Tiranga evokes emotions of deep patriotism, sacrifice, struggle, and unwavering pride. Every color and symbol on it has a story, and every wave of it in the wind is a celebration of India's past, present, and future
The name "Tiranga" is derived from the Hindi word for "tricolour," aptly describing its three horizontal stripes of saffron, white, and green, with the navy blue Ashoka Chakra (wheel) in the center The flag has become a powerful representation of India's independence movement and continues to inspire unity and nationalism in a culturally diverse country.
Historical Background of the Tiranga
Tiranga
The story of the Tiranga began long before India gained independence on August 15, 1947. During the British rule, multiple versions of flags were used to represent British India However, none of them represented the Indian people or their identity.
The need for a national flag arose prominently during the freedom struggle in the early 20th century In 1906, the first unofficial Indian flag was hoisted in Calcutta (now Kolkata), which included green, yellow, and red stripes with symbols such as the sun, crescent moon, and "Vande Mataram "
A significant evolution occurred in 1921, when Pingali Venkayya, a freedom fighter from Andhra Pradesh, proposed a design to Mahatma Gandhi The original design featured two colors red and green representing Hindus and Muslims Gandhi suggested adding a white stripe to represent all other communities and a spinning wheel (charkha) to symbolize self-reliance and the Swadeshi movement
Eventually, this design was modified and standardized. On July 22, 1947, the Constituent Assembly of India adopted the final version of the Tiranga The charkha was replaced with the Ashoka Chakra, a symbol from the Lion Capital of Ashoka in Sarnath, representing law, dharma, and motion.
Meaning of the Colours and the Chakra
Each component of the Tiranga has deep significance:
● Saffron (Top Stripe): This color signifies courage, sacrifice, and the spirit of renunciation It reminds the nation of the countless sacrifices made by freedom fighters and martyrs
● White (Middle Stripe): Representing peace, truth, and purity, white reflects the essential need for honesty and integrity in national life. It also provides a backdrop for the Ashoka Chakra
● Green (Bottom Stripe): Green symbolizes faith, fertility, growth, and auspiciousness. It stands for the country's rich vegetation and ecological balance
● Ashoka Chakra (Navy Blue Wheel): The 24-spoke wheel at the center stands for righteousness (dharma), justice, and motion It is a constant reminder that India must not resist change but must move forward on the path of progress and reform.
Tiranga
The Ashoka Chakra's 24 spokes also represent the 24 hours of the day, emphasizing the importance of constant work and vigilance
The Flag Code of India
The Tiranga is governed by the Flag Code of India, a comprehensive set of rules ensuring the flag is respected and treated with dignity
Initially, the use of the national flag by private citizens was restricted. However, after a landmark legal battle led by industrialist Naveen Jindal in the 1990s, the Supreme Court of India ruled in 2002 that every citizen had the fundamental right to fly the national flag, provided they adhered to the flag code.
Some important points of the Flag Code include:
● The flag must always be hoisted with the saffron stripe on top.
● It should not touch the ground or water
● It cannot be used for commercial purposes or draped as clothing
● No other flag or emblem should be placed above or beside the Tiranga.
● Damaged or disheveled flags must be retired respectfully, preferably by burning in private
On August 15 (Independence Day) and January 26 (Republic Day), millions of Indians proudly hoist the Tiranga atop buildings, homes, and vehicles The flag becomes the central theme of celebrations nationwide.
Tiranga and the Freedom Struggle
During the Indian independence movement, the Tiranga became the visual symbol of resistance against British rule It unified diverse linguistic, religious, and ethnic groups under one national identity.
Freedom fighters often hoisted the flag during protests, knowing well the consequences of defying colonial authority. The act of raising the flag was both defiance and declaration India
Tiranga
was not just a territory under British dominion but a civilization with its own soul, dreams, and destiny
One iconic moment was when Bhagat Singh and his comrades hoisted the flag during protests against British injustice Likewise, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose hoisted the Indian flag in Port Blair in 1943 as a symbol of the Indian National Army's victory and a liberated Indian territory
Tiranga in Contemporary India
Today, the Tiranga continues to inspire generations of Indians. Whether on a cricket field or a space mission launch, the national flag evokes deep emotion and unity When Indian athletes stand on international podiums, the Tiranga flies high, bringing tears of pride to millions.
In recent times, national campaigns like "Har Ghar Tiranga" (Tricolour in every home) have encouraged citizens to connect with the national flag more personally. During COVID-19, and in times of natural disasters, the Tiranga has been seen waving alongside relief missions and helping rebuild broken hopes
India's successful space missions like Chandrayaan-3 and Mangalyaan proudly displayed the Tiranga, symbolizing not just nationalism but India’s rising global stature
The flag has also become a powerful emblem during socio-political protests and civic movements, reminding authorities and citizens alike of the country’s democratic values and responsibilities
Tiranga in Culture and Art
From Bollywood to classical literature, from patriotic poems to pop art, the Tiranga features prominently in Indian culture
Famous songs such as "Jhanda Ooncha Rahe Hamara", "Tiranga Lehraaye", and "Maa Tujhe Salaam" have immortalized the flag in the nation’s collective consciousness Painters like M F Husain, poets like Ramdhari Singh Dinkar, and filmmakers like Ashutosh Gowariker have celebrated the Tiranga in their work.
Even in fashion, designers incorporate Tiranga motifs in clothing during national festivals Schools hold drawing competitions, painting exhibitions, and plays centered on the tricolour flag.
Tiranga
Challenges to the Respect of Tiranga
Despite being a revered symbol, the Tiranga is sometimes misused or neglected. Instances of plastic flags being discarded after national holidays or the improper display of the flag during events point to the need for greater awareness and education
The government and civic organizations continue to campaign for proper flag etiquette and sensitization Digital platforms have also stepped in with creative campaigns to make people realize that respecting the flag is akin to respecting the values of the nation.
Conclusion
The Tiranga is more than just a national flag it is the heartbeat of India It embodies the spirit of a billion people who speak different languages, follow different religions, and come from different backgrounds but unite under one tricolour.
Each time the Tiranga flutters in the wind, it reminds us of our shared past and collective future. It teaches us the values of sacrifice, truth, peace, growth, and justice. As India continues its journey into the future as a digital powerhouse, a democratic giant, and a beacon of hope for the developing world the Tiranga will continue to fly high, reminding every Indian of the price of freedom and the promise of progress.
