&w=3840&q=100)
History Today: When India adopted the Tricolour as its national flag
The Indian national flag is a symbol of the country's freedom from 200 years of British oppression. Representational image
The Indian national flag is a sign of the country's freedom from British rule. Fluttering high, especially on government buildings, the Tricolour invokes feelings of pride and nationalism in the hearts of Indians. But did you know that it was adopted just weeks before independence? The Constituent Assembly adopted the tricolour as the national flag of independent India on July 22, 1947.
If you are a history geek who loves to learn about important events from the past, Firstpost Explainers' ongoing series, History Today, will be your one-stop destination to explore key events.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
On this day in 2011, Norway experienced one of the deadliest attacks in its modern history when Anders Behring Breivik carried out a two-part assault that claimed 77 lives.
Here is all that happened on this day.
India adopted Tricolour as its national flag
The Constituent Assembly of India officially adopted the Tricolour as the national flag of independent India on July 22, 1947, just weeks before gaining independence. This decision marked a defining step in India's journey to sovereignty.
The flag, initially designed by Pingali Venkayya in 1921, had evolved through several alterations over the years as various designs were proposed and used by different factions of the Indian independence movement. The initial design featured red and green bands (symbolising Hindus and Muslims respectively) with the spinning wheel in the centre.
On Gandhi's suggestion, a white stripe was later added to represent all other communities and peace. This 'Swaraj Flag' or 'Gandhi Flag' gained unofficial acceptance and was used during various Indian National Congress sessions.
The flag consists of saffron, white and green colours along with the Ashoka Chakra. File image/PTI
However, the need for a flag that represented all of India without any communal interpretations became paramount as independence approached. An ad-hoc committee, headed by Dr Rajendra Prasad, was tasked with finalising the design. On July 22, 1947, Jawaharlal Nehru moved the resolution in the Constituent Assembly that cemented the design.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
This flag consisted of saffron (symbolising courage and sacrifice) at the top, white (representing peace, truth and purity in the middle) and dark green (showing fertility and prosperity) at the bottom. The Ashoka Chakra in the middle, derived from the Sarnath Lion Capital of Emperor Ashoka, symbolises continuous progress.
The adoption of the flag was more than a symbolic gesture; it was a proclamation of identity. As Jawaharlal Nehru said in his speech during the flag's adoption, 'This flag is not only of freedom for ourselves, but a symbol of freedom to all people.'
Deadliest shooting incident in Norway
Norway experienced its deadliest attack since World War II, carried out by far-right extremist Anders Behring Breivik on this day in 2011. The two-part attack claimed the lives of 77 people and injured hundreds more.
The first attack took place at approximately 3:25 pm, when Breivik detonated a powerful car bomb in the government quarter in central Oslo. The blast, placed near the office of then-Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg, killed eight people and caused significant damage to government buildings, shattering windows and creating widespread chaos. Many public offices were less occupied than usual due to the summer holiday, which likely prevented an even higher casualty count.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
Andres Behring Breivik gestured as he arrived during his trial in court in Oslo, Norway. File image/AP
Roughly an hour and a half later, Breivik arrived at the island of Utoya disguised as a police officer. The island was hosting the annual summer camp of the Workers' Youth League (AUF), the youth wing of Norway's ruling Labour Party. For over an hour, armed with an automatic rifle and a pistol, Breivik systematically hunted down and shot the hundreds of mostly teenage attendees. He lured some victims closer by pretending to be a rescuer, resulting in a horrifying massacre that killed 69 people, many of whom were shot repeatedly or drowned trying to escape into the cold water.
Breivik was arrested on the island without resistance. During his trial in 2012, he showed no remorse and described his actions as 'cruel but necessary' to fight what he believed was the Islamisation of Europe and the Labour Party's role in promoting multiculturalism. He was found sane and guilty and sentenced to 21 years in prison, the maximum under Norwegian law, with the possibility of extension.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
This Day, That Year
On this day in 1992, Colombian drug trafficker Pablo Escobar escaped from police custody.
American aviator Wiley Post completed the first solo flight around the world on this day in 1933.
In 1812, the duke of Wellington defeated '40,000 Frenchmen in 40 minutes' at Salamanca, Spain.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News18
3 hours ago
- News18
Indian Man Applauds Dutch Officials' Response To Minor Road Bumps: ‘Wish Every Country Cared Like This'
An Indian man's video praising the Dutch government's quick fix of minor road bumps has gone viral. An Indian man living in the Netherlands has gone viral for praising how the local authorities responded quickly to fix even the smallest road bumps. Prabhu Visha shared a video on Instagram and captioned it: 'Coming from India, this honestly felt so beautiful to me." Why Is The Video Gaining Traction In the video, Prabhu Visha is seen skating smoothly down the road, barely noticing any disturbance. On the clip, a statement reads: 'This is why I believe the Netherlands truly cares for its people." Further in his post, Prabhu Visha explained what made the incident so special. 'Near my home in the Netherlands, there were some small bumps on the road. For me, the road was already perfect. But then we got a letter from the government explaining they will fix it, with details of why, when, where, and how. It's possible some people complained about it, and that's why they're fixing it. But still, it's amazing that they listen and act," the post read. He added, 'Even small bumps matter here, for pregnant women, people biking with kids or the elderly. Seriously, hats off to this government for their inclusion and communication." He ended his post by saying, 'I wish every country cared for its people like this." Here's How The Internet Reacted The video was posted on July 23 and quickly gained over 3 lakh views. Many users praised the Dutch government's attentiveness and quick action, especially for such a minor issue. It also sparked comparisons with civic systems in other countries. A user commented, 'I agree, yes, the taxes are high, but when you realise little things like this. It makes it so worth it." Another joked, 'Bro, don't lie, the road is perfect, I am from India." 'Proud to be part of this beautiful country," an individual said. Another shared, 'Netherlands also cares for its animals. You won't see a single street dog because they made a strict policy to sterilise and vaccinate them. Adoption is supported, heavy tax on breeding and strict animal laws." Prabhu Visha's post reminded people how good governance, clear communication and attention to detail, even in the smallest things, can make a big difference. First Published: July 28, 2025, 13:53 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Fashion Value Chain
3 hours ago
- Fashion Value Chain
Weaving Traditions: The Cultural Tapestry of Indian Handlooms
Ms. Ananya Tiwari, Post-Graduate Academic Scholar in Fashion Management, National Institute of Fashion Technology, Ministry of Textiles, Daman campus Abstract Boasting a rich history and vibrant culture woven into its textile traditions, it is confirmed that India is indeed a land of handlooms. The handloom sector in India has a long tradition of outstanding artisanship that represents and preserves vibrant Indian culture. It is one of the largest cottage industries with over 2.8 million looms. This sector has the advantage of being eco-friendly and having less power consumption. In this article, we will go through a glimpse of two such handlooms from the states of Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat. Introduction First, we will go through Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. Cross-pollinated by trade and commerce, its long history has been interwined with its textile roots it is one of the renowned centres for zari and brocade weaving. These fabrics have a long and continuous tradition in our cultural history. The weavers of Varanasi are masters of many complex weaving techniques. From the Kadwa and Fekua to Cutwork and Urtu, each technique is individual and distinct. In each category, there are variations and adaptations. All woven on indigenously made looms, a wide range of fibres is used, from the finest cotton yarns to the coarsest, from wide silks to the most refined. Brocade work can be traced back to the Middle Ages. Due to its complex and intricate design, it would usually be worn by royal families across countries like Japan, Korea, China, and Greece. Brocade refers to those textiles where patterns are created on the loom itself, which means it is the process of weaving by transfixing the pattern thread between the warp. This highly delicate work uses gold, silk, silver, or cotton threads with extra weft patterning. This gives the motif an embossed appearance over a regular fabric that increases its ornamentation. The Jangla is a literal jungle pattern, which is inspired by nature that spreads across the textile field like a jal/ net. It is represented with the imagery of the royal hunt. Tigers, deer, birds, and horses are all intermingling in a forest of floral motifs. This Jangla and Shikargah represent the mastery of Varanasi weavers who depicted the favoured pastime of ruling princes and aristocracy. Gyasar comes under the different types of Varanasi brocades. The design, pattern, colours, and theme are based on the auspicious Buddhist symbols and floral imagery. The Gyasar weave has been used for centuries for ceremonial dress as an offering. The clients for this weave include the Royal family of Bhutan and other followers of Buddhism across the world. This heavy brocade in silk with gold and silver zari is woven on the pitloom with a width of 23', and a weaver can produce just a few inches in a day. Coming to the western part of India, we will now be talking about the Patola of Gujarat, the double Ikat silk fabric made in Patan was a popular item of Indian export to Indonesia around the 13th century, where Indian, Portuguese, Dutch, and other merchants used them to barter for spices. The name Patola is derived from the Sanskrit word 'pattakulla', and is the plural form of the word patolu. Dynamic geometric grid patterns and intricate motifs combine to form the double ikat textiles of India. The precise placement of the closely woven motifs, combined with rich colours, provides the patolu (weaver) of Gujarat a mosaic-like appearance. Pattern drawn on a graph sheet Patolas are manufactured by the resist-dyeing technique. The essential block-like quality of these textiles comes from the reference to the double ikat technique. In this process, sets of identical marked threads are tied and dyed at regular intervals. When woven, it forms networks of stepped motifs or patterns. Precision is the main goal of a patolu weaver. This is a Panch Ful Bhat silk Patola sari using the techniques of Double Ikat, where five flowers are shown in full bloom as a motif. Cotton is rarely used, especially for ikat sections. With a few exceptions, the Patola is traditionally used as a rectangular cloth. In Jain and Hindu communities, double ikat saris with entire design of parrots, flowers, elephants, and dancing figures are generally used, whereas in Muslim communities, saris with geometric designs and flower patterns are used, being worn mostly for weddings and other special occasions. Conclusion Handloom is not just about weaving the fabric, but it also represents our human creativity and cultural continuity. It showcases the patience and skill of artisans who transform these regular-looking threads into textiles, which gives us the meaning and heritage of our country. As power looms are giving us speed in this industrial revolution, the handloom stands as a reminder that beautiful things can emerge from slowness, where traditions are preserved and coexist with progress.
Hindustan Times
5 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Indian migrant helps rescue woman from massive sinkhole in Singapore, earns praise
An Indian migrant worker has earned praise for his quick-thinking after he helped rescue a woman who fell into a sinkhole in Singapore. The sinkhole, filled with water, suddenly opened up a section of Tanjong Katong Road South on Saturday evening and swallowed a car. A car plunged into a large, water-filled sinkhole in Singapore on July 26. Singapore's National Water Agency, known as PUB (Public Utilities Board), said the road collapse happened near one of its active worksites. (Also read: Giant, water-filled sinkhole swallows car in Singapore, woman pulled out alive in dramatic rescue) Indian migrant worker saves a life Site foreman Pitchai Udaiyappan Subbiah was among the first to notice that a car had plunged into the sinkhole. He immediately rushed to help the car's occupant. Subbiah, a 46-year-old site foreman with Ohin Construction, said he heard a sudden sound and saw the sinkhole forming. Realising that a car had gone down the hole, he instructed three of his workers to toss down a nylon rope. The woman opened the door of her car and reached for the rope. Workers then pulled her up until she was close enough to the edge to be lifted out. She was immediately rushed to Raffles Hospital. According to a Channel News Asia report, Subbiah is from India and has worked in Singapore for the last 22 years. Asked how he felt during the rescue, the 46-year-old said, 'I was scared, but every feeling was that this woman must be rescued first. (At the end of everything), I felt thankful that we had saved a life.' 'To me, the fact that someone had fallen in - no matter what happened, we had to rescue her as quickly as possible. That was our thinking, and that was the determination and urgency with which we rescued her,' he explained. Rescue earns applause Subbiah has earned plaudits for his presence of mind that potentially helped save a woman's life. 'Not sure if he qualifies for Permanent Residence but Pitchai surely deserves to be offered,' wrote one person on Reddit. 'Should get a medal and an honorary citizenship that allows him to dual-wield with presumably-existing Republic of India citizenship. He has done more for this country's people than anybody working in CBP and MBFC,' another said. The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) has also said it will be reaching out to the workers who helped in the rescue to 'commend them for their bravery and prompt action in saving a life.'
