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Economic Times
3 days ago
- General
- Economic Times
Independence Day: When the Tiranga had the Vajra and ‘Vande Mataram', check the interesting evolution of our Tricolour flag
Synopsis Independence Day 2025: India's National Flag, adopted on July 22, 1947, symbolizes sovereignty and unity. The Tricolour's saffron, white, and green bands represent courage, peace, and prosperity, respectively, with the Ashok Chakra signifying progress. Governed by the Flag Code of India, it must be displayed respectfully, avoiding damage or undignified use, and disposed of with dignity when damaged. Agencies Independence Day 2025: Flag As India celebrates its 79th Independence Day on August 15, the National Flag, the Tricolour or Tiranga, remains a symbol of the country's sovereignty, unity, and history. Adopted in its current form on July 22, 1947, the flag reflects the journey of India's freedom struggle and the principles it upholds present form of the National Flag was formally adopted by the Constituent Assembly on July 22, 1947, days before independence from British rule. The flag consists of three equal horizontal bands: saffron at the top, white in the middle, and green at the bottom. In the centre of the white band is the navy blue Ashok Chakra, a depiction of the Dharma Chakra from the Sarnath Lion Capital of Emperor Ashoka. Saffron stands for courage and strength. White represents peace and truth. Green signifies fertility, growth, and auspiciousness. — MinOfCultureGoI (@MinOfCultureGoI) Ashok ChakraThe Ashok Chakra has 24 spokes and its diameter approximates the width of the white band. It symbolises movement and the idea that life is in action, while stagnation leads to decline. Size and proportionsThe flag must be rectangular, with a length-to-height ratio of 3:2. There is no restriction on size, provided the proportions are maintained. Early designs of the Indian flag emerged during the freedom struggle. In 1904, Sister Nivedita, an Irish disciple of Swami Vivekananda, created a design featuring the 'Vajra' symbol, a white lotus, and the phrase 'Bonde Mataram.' The early version of the Indian flag designed by Sister Nivedita featured red and yellow colours, with a 'Vajra' symbol representing strength and the phrase 'Vande Mataram' in Bengali, symbolising freedom and victory. Two years later, on August 7, 1906, the first public unfurling of a national flag took place at Parsee Bagan in Kolkata (now Girish Park), displaying three equal horizontal stripes of green, yellow, and red, with lotus flowers on the green panel and 'Vande Mataram' inscribed in Devanagari script on the yellow band. During the 1917 Home Rule Movement, led by Annie Besant and Lokmanya Tilak, a distinctive flag was used. It featured nine alternating horizontal stripes — five red and four green — with the Saptarishi constellation depicted through seven stars placed across them. In the top left corner near the flagpole was the Union Jack, while the top right corner displayed a white crescent and star. The design credited to Pingali Venkayya, first proposed in 1921 at Mahatma Gandhi's request, included the spinning wheel (Charkha) to symbolise self-reliance. In 1931, a flag committee in Karachi recommended modifications. By July 1947, the spinning wheel was replaced with the Ashok Chakra, and the Tricolour was officially Flag Code of India, 2002, and the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, outline how the National Flag should be displayed. The flag should occupy a position of honour, never be damaged, and should not be used below the waist on clothing or printed on everyday items such as cushions or napkins. Avoiding incorrect display The flag should not be flown upside down, dipped in salute, touch the ground or water, or be used for decoration as festoons or bunting. It should not be displayed alongside other flags on the same masthead. Disposal of the flag Damaged flags should be destroyed privately, preferably by burning, in a manner that maintains dignity. Paper flags used by the public should also be disposed of respectfully and not discarded in public spaces. Materials permitted As per the 2021 amendment to the Flag Code, the National Flag may be made of handspun, handwoven, or machine-made cotton, polyester, wool, silk, or khadi bunting.
NDTV
3 days ago
- General
- NDTV
Independence Day 2025: Teachers And Scholars Who Contributed To India's Freedom
Independence Day 2025: India's struggle for independence was not only fought on the streets but also shaped in classrooms and through the power of knowledge. Many teachers and scholars inspired people with their ideas, writings, and reforms, playing a big role in awakening the spirit of freedom. Their contribution went beyond teaching; they guided minds, challenged injustice, and encouraged people to dream of a free India. Here are some of the most respected teachers and scholars who left a lasting mark on the nation's journey to independence. 1. Bal Gangadhar Tilak Bal Gangadhar Tilak was not only a great freedom fighter but also a scholar, writer, mathematician, and philosopher. His followers gave him the title "Lokmanya," meaning "beloved leader." After completing his education, he started the Deccan Education Society in 1884 with the goal of providing quality English education to common people. Tilak's speeches and writings played a huge role in inspiring the masses to fight for freedom. 2. Jyotibha Phule Jyotirao Govindrao Phule was a pioneer of women's education in India. He was a humanitarian, author, philosopher, and social reformer who worked tirelessly to remove social evils like caste discrimination and gender inequality. Through his work, he encouraged education for everyone, especially for girls from marginalized communities. 3. Savitribhai Phule Savitribai Phule, India's first woman teacher, was a poet, reformer, and a strong supporter of women's rights. She, along with her husband Jyotirao Phule, opened India's first school for girls at Bhide Wada in Pune in 1848. She faced great opposition but continued her mission to provide education and promote equality for women. 4. Annie Besant Annie Besant was born in Britain but dedicated much of her life to India's independence movement. She became a prominent leader in the Home Rule Movement, which demanded self-governance for India. 5. Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Maulana Abul Kalam Azad was the first Education Minister of independent India, serving from August 15, 1947, to February 2, 1958. A scholar and freedom fighter, he believed education was the foundation of a strong nation. In his honour, India celebrates National Education Day every year on his birthday, November 11.
NDTV
3 days ago
- Politics
- NDTV
Rebels Against The Raj: How Foreigners Defied Empire To Support India
Long before global solidarity became a buzzword, a handful of Westerners crossed continents to stand with India against British colonial rule. Rebels Against The Raj by historian Ramachandra Guha brought their stories to life, chronicling seven outsiders: four British, two American, and an Irish left their homelands to support India's fight for independence. "A foreigner deserves to be welcomed only when he mixes with the Indigenous people as sugar does with milk," said Mahatma Gandhi, as quoted in the 2022 book. Guha called them "rebels" and compared them to the International Brigade in the Spanish Civil War. Yet unlike soldiers, these travellers were inspired by Gandhi's philosophy of nonviolent satyagraha rather than armed revolt. The Seven Rebels Annie Besant The British social reformer became a leading figure in the Home Rule Movement, advocating for Indian self-governance. "Once she had chosen to become an Indian, she would be an Indian all the way through," Guha wrote in his book. Samuel Stokes A Quaker (a member of the Religious Society of Friends) from Philadelphia, Stokes moved to India, changed his name to Satyanand Stokes, converted to Hinduism, and became a social reformer. Before World War II, he challenged Gandhi's view on nonviolence: "Britain and her allies represent the earlier wave of imperialism as opposed to the new one that threatens the world... Nazis have shown themselves capable of the utmost ruthlessness." Guha wrote Gandhi did not "respond to what was perhaps the greater question raised by Stokes - the fundamental difference between German imperialism and British imperialism." BG Horniman An English journalist and editor of the Bombay Chronicle, Horniman's fearless reporting and support for Indian rights led to imprisonment and eventual expulsion from India. Philip Spratt A British socialist who co-founded India's Communist Party and was jailed for activism. Madeline Slade (Mira/Mira Behen) Daughter of a British admiral, she became Gandhi's close associate and disciple. Decades later, she advised Richard Attenborough on his Gandhi biopic, appearing in the film at Gandhi's side. She also played a role in the Salt March. Catherine Mary Heilemann (Sarala Behen) An Irish woman who worked alongside Gandhi, advancing social reforms and rural development. Ralph Richard Keithahn An American missionary who became a dedicated supporter of India's independence. Arriving in Madurai in 1925, he was inspired by Gandhi's principles of nonviolence and self-reliance, adopting Indian dress and khadi. Later, he embraced Indian spiritual traditions and lived in an ashram.
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- General
- Hindustan Times
Independence Day 2025: Who is the man behind the design of national flag?
India is all set to celebrate its 79th Independence Day on 15th August. The revered national flag is seen everywhere, from the Prime Minister raising it atop the ramparts of the Red Fort to every home, school, and office. The hoisting of the tricolour flag reflects India's unity and hard-fought freedom from the Britishers, gaining independence from the British Raj after almost 200 years in 1947. The national flag's design has the story of decades of design evolution.(PC: Pexels) ALSO READ: Independence Day 2025: Here's how Indian fashion has evolved through the decades Meaning of colours: The colours of the flag have a symbolic nature, with saffron standing for India's strength and courage. The middle band is white, representing peace and truth, while the bottom dark green band depicts our innate relation to the fertile land, symbolising growth and auspiciousness. The middle white band also features the Ashoka Chakra, which signifies movement and progress. But how did this beloved national flag come to be? It was an entire process, growing through the nationalist movement, the struggles, and the contributions of freedom fighters. Despite the multiple versions and discussions, one man was behind the final designs we are familiar with today. He was Pingali Venkayya, who designed the first version in 1921. Let's take a look at the evolution of the national flag and how the final design came to be. 1906 This flag was designed by the Irish disciple of Swami Vivekananda, Sister Nivedita. The first national flag designed by Sister Nivedita was hoisted at Parsee Bagan Square in Calcutta, acting as a symbol of resistance against British-made goods during the Swadeshi movement. This flag featured three colours and unique symbols: green top band with eight lotuses, yellow with 'Vande Mataram', and red with a crescent and sun. 1907 Second version of the national flag. The second national flag's version was seen in 1906 when Madam Bhikaji Cama hoisted it at the International Socialist Congress in Stuttgart, Germany. She was seeking support for India's freedom. This flag is also called the Berlin Committee flag. The flag featured eight stars on the top orange band, yellow in the middle with Vande Mataram, and green at the bottom with a crescent moon and star in the corner. 1917 The third flag included diagonal stars. The Home Rule Movement brought the third flag's design in 1917. Annie Besant and Bal Gangadhar Tilak unfurled this new flag, representing India's demand for greater autonomy. This flag included nine horizontal stripes, five red and four green, with the British flag in the corner. It also featured seven diagonal stars, a crescent and star, and a black vertical triangle along the left side. 1921 One of the earliest designs by Pingali Venkayya. This flag was Pingali Venkayya's first design. He showed this to Mahatma Gandhi. The flag included white, green and red stripes with a charkha in the centre, representing India's unity and progress. But the Indian Congress Committee did not adopt this one as the official flag. 1931 This is the second design by Pingali Venkayya. This is the second design that Pingali Venkayya presented again. It took a form very similar to the current design, was approved at a Congress Committee meeting, and was officially adopted as the Committee's flag. 1947 The current design of national flag. The current design's colours remained the same as Pingali's second design, with only a slight modification, replacing the Charkha with the Dharma wheel.
