I-Day 2024: The story of India's Tricolor & the visionary behind it

As India celebrates its 78th Independence Day on August 15, 2024, the tricolor flag fluttering in the wind evokes deep emotions of pride, unity, and patriotism. The Indian National Flag, known as the "Tiranga," is not just a symbol of freedom but also a testament to the nation's rich history and the struggles that led to independence. Let’s delve into the history of the Indian National Flag and the visionary behind its design.

The Evolution of the Indian National Flag

The journey of the Indian National Flag began long before the country gained independence from British rule in 1947. The flag underwent several transformations, each representing the evolving aspirations and identity of the Indian people.

The First Flag (1906): The first Indian flag was hoisted on August 7, 1906, in Parsee Bagan Square (now known as Green Park) in Kolkata. This flag featured three horizontal stripes of green, yellow, and red. The green stripe had eight white lotuses representing the provinces of India, the yellow stripe bore the words "Vande Mataram" in Devanagari script, and the red stripe had a crescent moon and a sun.

The Berlin Committee Flag (1907): The second flag, also known as the Berlin Committee Flag or the "Flag of India," was designed by Indian freedom fighters in exile in Germany. It was similar to the first flag but with the stripes arranged differently, and it was hoisted by Bhikaiji Cama in Paris in 1907. This version is often considered the first flag to represent Indian nationalism on a global stage.

The Home Rule Movement Flag (1917): During the Home Rule Movement led by Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Annie Besant, a new flag was introduced. This flag had five red and four green horizontal stripes, with seven stars in the shape of the Saptarishi constellation, and a Union Jack in the top left corner, symbolizing the British connection. The presence of the Union Jack made this flag unpopular among Indian nationalists.

The Flag of 1921: In 1921, during the All India Congress Committee meeting in Bezwada (now Vijayawada), Pingali Venkayya, a freedom fighter and farmer from Andhra Pradesh, presented a flag to Mahatma Gandhi. The flag consisted of two horizontal stripes—red representing Hindus and green representing Muslims—with a charkha (spinning wheel) in the center, symbolizing self-reliance.

The Final Design (1947): The Indian National Congress adopted the current tricolor flag on July 22, 1947, just a few weeks before India gained independence. This flag featured three horizontal stripes of saffron (courage and sacrifice), white (peace and truth), and green (faith and chivalry). The charkha in the center was replaced by the Ashoka Chakra, a 24-spoke wheel in navy blue, symbolizing justice and righteousness.

The Man Behind the Indian National Flag: Pingali Venkayya

Pingali Venkayya, often referred to as the "Father of the Indian National Flag," was born on August 2, 1876, in Bhatlapenumarru, a small village in the Krishna district of present-day Andhra Pradesh. Venkayya was not only a freedom fighter but also a scholar, linguist, and a fervent Gandhian.

Venkayya was deeply influenced by Mahatma Gandhi's principles of non-violence and self-reliance. He had a keen interest in agriculture, and his work in this field earned him the title of "Diamond Venkayya." However, his most significant contribution to the nation was the design of the Indian National Flag.

Venkayya’s journey to design the flag was marked by dedication and patriotism. He studied the flags of various countries and believed that India needed a unique symbol to unite its diverse population. His design evolved over time, incorporating elements that represented the essence of India's struggle for freedom.

In 1921, Venkayya presented his design to Gandhi, who was impressed by the concept of the charkha in the flag, symbolizing self-reliance through khadi (handspun cloth). This design eventually led to the final version of the tricolor that we proudly hoist today.

Despite his monumental contribution, Venkayya lived a life of poverty and passed away in obscurity on July 4, 1963. It was only much later that his contribution was recognized, and his name became synonymous with the Indian National Flag.

The Significance of the Tricolor

The Indian National Flag holds deep significance for the people of India. Each color and symbol in the flag represents a profound aspect of the nation's identity and values:

Saffron: Symbolizes courage, sacrifice, and the spirit of renunciation.

White: Represents peace, truth, and purity.

Green: Denotes faith, fertility, and the land's richness.

Ashoka Chakra: The 24 spokes of the Ashoka Chakra signify the eternal wheel of law and dharma (righteousness). It is a reminder of the importance of justice, progress, and continuous movement in life.

As India celebrates Independence Day in 2024, the tricolor flag continues to inspire millions. It is a symbol of the sacrifices made by countless freedom fighters, the unity of a diverse nation, and the promise of a bright future. The legacy of Pingali Venkayya, the man behind the flag, lives on in the hearts of every Indian who proudly salutes the Tiranga.