Know Your National Flag
1. What sets a flag apart from a national flag?
A flag is a piece of fabric used to symbolize a group, organization, or individual, and it can vary in design and purpose. A national flag, however, carries much deeper meaning. It is the official symbol of a nation’s identity, values, and pride. Throughout history, national flags have inspired patriotism and have been defended with great sacrifice.
2. What is the nickname of India’s national flag?
India’s national flag is fondly known as the Tiranga, meaning “tricolor.” However, this nickname can be misleading since the flag features four colors, including the navy blue of the Ashoka Chakra.
3. When was India’s national flag adopted?
The Tiranga was adopted as the national flag of independent India on July 22, 1947, by the Constituent Assembly, just weeks before India’s independence on August 15, 1947.
4. Who designed the Tiranga in 1947?
The final design of the national flag was submitted by Mrs. Suraiya Badr-ud-Din Tyabji, an accomplished artist, and approved by the Flag Committee on July 17, 1947. Her husband, B.H.F. Tyabji, served as Deputy Secretary in the Constituent Assembly Secretariat.
5. Where was the Tiranga first hoisted abroad on August 15, 1947?
The first official hoisting of the Tiranga outside India took place at the residence of Sir Raghunath Paranjype, India’s High Commissioner in Canberra, Australia. This occurred at 12:00 PM local time, three hours before the flag was hoisted in India.
6. What anthem was played at the UN on August 15, 1947?
On India’s Independence Day, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose’s version of Jana Gana Mana, adopted as the anthem of his army, was played at the UN Headquarters. Interestingly, Jana Gana Mana was officially declared India’s national anthem only on January 24, 1950.
7. Who presented the first Tiranga to Dr. Rajendra Prasad?
On the midnight of August 14-15, 1947, Mrs. Hansa Mehta, a freedom fighter and educationist, along with 72 other women, presented the first Tiranga to Dr. Rajendra Prasad in the Central Hall of the Constituent Assembly.
8. What was said about women gifting the flag on August 14-15, 1947?
Mrs. Hansa Mehta stated: “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 Tiranga first hoisted in India on August 15, 1947?
The first official flag hoisting in India took place at the Council House (now Parliament House) in New Delhi at 10:30 AM. Lord Mountbatten lowered the Union Jack, and Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru proudly raised the Tiranga.
10. When was the flag first hoisted at the Red Fort?
The first flag hoisting at the Red Fort occurred on August 16, 1947, at 8:30 AM, as the official formalities on August 15 delayed the ceremony.