Years of activism in Pune ensure full respect to Tricolour for I-Day
City-based organisation Bharat Flag Foundation, which works to protect the dignity of the national flag, said collection of discarded flags has fallen by 90% in the last decade. The success is credited to years of public awareness drives about the Flag Code of India by NGOs and through individual efforts.
President of the foundation Girish Murudkar said volunteers collect flags after celebrations and also guide citizens on how to hoist and put away the Tricolour with respect.
"We distribute collection boxes to Rotary clubs, institutions and event sites across Maharashtra. If someone cannot return a box, even from places like Amravati or Nagpur, we guide them over the phone on proper disposal. Sometimes boxes come back empty. That means our work is paying off," said Murudkar. This year, the group ran a short film and social media campaign to spread awareness.
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The sight of abandoned flags may be decreasing, but campaigners said their work is far from over.
Every empty collection box is a quiet victory for them. Last year, a Pune chartered accountancy firm mobilised 100 volunteers under the banner Mera Tiranga Mera Abhimaan to collect flags from Karve Road, Deccan Gymkhana and nearby areas, later handing them to the Bharat Flag Foundation for dignified disposal.
Citizens said consistent individual efforts to spread awareness made a difference. "In our society, we tell children and adults every year about flag etiquette.
We buy cloth flags that can be reused and avoid plastic or paper. In the last few years, we've hardly found flags lying on the society premises or the neighbouring areas after Independence Day or Republic Day functions," said Rutuja Gaikwad, a resident of Sadashiv Peth.
Citizens also said various campaigns against China-made Tricolours after the Covid-19 pandemic had led to a drop in purchase of flags which are not eco-friendly.
Parag Gokhale, president of the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, said the national flag is the identity of the nation, but is often respected only twice a year. "Plastic flags do not decompose quickly. We have been raising awareness for 21 years now. This year, we conducted campaigns in Pune. We met officials and schools to urge them to respect the flag," he said.
The group gave representations to local authorities, with the Bhor tehsildar's office assuring that instructions on flag respect will be sent to schools in the tehsil.
Graphic:
Dos and Don'ts for the Indian National Flag
DOs
- Hoist the flag in a position of honour, distinctly placed and ceremoniously
- Always hoist the flag briskly and lower it slowly with dignity
- Display the flag from sunrise to sunset
- Fold the flag correctly — place it horizontally, fold the saffron and green bands inwards under the white band, then fold so only the Ashoka Chakra and parts of saffron and green remain visible. The folded flag must then be carried on the palms or in the arms for respectful storage in a clean and dry place
- Dispose of a damaged flag in private, preferably by burning it in a respectful manner
DON'Ts
- Do not let the flag touch the ground, floor or water
- Do not drape it over vehicles, trains or boats except for military, paramilitary or police activities
- Do not use it as a cloth, costume, uniform or accessory.
- Do not write, print or embroider anything on the flag
- Do not display a damaged or faded flag
- Do not use the flag for advertisements, decoration or table covers.
Punishment for violation
Improper use, desecration or insult to the National Flag is punishable under the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, with imprisonment for up to three years or a fine or both.
(Source: Flag Code of India, 2002)
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