Know Your National Flag

1. What distinguishes a flag from a national flag?
   A flag is a piece of cloth attached to a pole, representing a group, community, organization, or individual, with varying designs and purposes. In contrast, a national flag is the highest, officially recognized symbol of a nation, embodying its identity, ideals, aspirations, and pride. Throughout history, national flags have been powerful symbols of patriotism, inspiring people to make great sacrifices.

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

3. When was the national flag of independent India adopted?
   The Constituent Assembly adopted India’s national flag on July 22, 1947, before the country gained independence on August 15, 1947.

4. Who designed the national flag adopted in 1947?
   Mrs. Suraiya Badr-ud-Din Tyabji, an accomplished artist, created the design, which was approved by the Flag Committee on July 17, 1947.

5. Where was the first official flag hoisting outside India on August 15, 1947?
   The first official hoisting of the Tiranga outside India occurred at the residence of Sir Raghunath Paranjype, India’s High Commissioner in Canberra, Australia, at 12:00 PM local time, three hours before it was raised 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. Interestingly, Jana Gana Mana was officially adopted as the national anthem on January 24, 1950.

7. Who presented the first Tiranga to Dr. Rajendra Prasad?
   Mrs. Hansa Mehta, a prominent educationist and freedom fighter, led a group of 72 women to present the first Tiranga to Dr. Rajendra Prasad in the Central Hall of the Constituent Assembly at midnight on 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, where 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 took place on August 16, 1947, at 8:30 AM.

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, under a sky adorned with a rainbow.

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

13. What are the official names of the saffron and green colors?
    The saffron is officially called India-Saffron, and the green is India-Green, ensuring consistency in their description worldwide.

14. What does the saffron color signify?
    Saffron represents courage, sacrifice, renunciation, wisdom, and the scorched earth under the Indian sun, symbolizing spiritual life and action.

15. What does the white color signify?
    White stands for purity, peace, and truth, symbolizing unity and harmony among India’s diverse religions and languages.

16. What does the green color signify?
    Green represents growth, agriculture, vegetation, and hope, reflecting India’s connection to the earth and sustenance.

17. What does the blue color in the flag signify?
    The blue of the Ashoka Chakra represents the sky, sea, inner energy, and progress, with its 24 spokes symbolizing perpetual movement and growth.

18. What is the significance of the Ashoka Chakra?
    Derived from the Sarnath Lion Capital, the Ashoka Chakra represents the wheel of dharma, continual progress, and India’s spiritual and cultural heritage.

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

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

21. How is saffron created for the flag?
    Saffron is created by blending red (valor and action) and yellow (wisdom) in a precise ratio.

22. Who suggested replacing the Charkha with the Ashoka Chakra?
    Mr. Badr-ud-Din Tyabji, a Deputy Secretary of the Constituent Assembly, proposed the replacement. After consulting Mahatma Gandhi, the change was finalized on Dr. Rajendra Prasad’s recommendation.