A country’s flag represent the values of that country; it’s individuality and personality, its past struggles and future hopes and beliefs. It reflects our patriotism and our faith in our country.
In the national flag of India is horizontally divided into three portions, the top band of Saffron colour, indicates the strength and courage of the country, the white middle band indicates peace and truth with Dharma Chakra of Ashoka’s Sarnath pillar and the lower band green colour showing the fertility, growth and auspiciousness of the land.
It is always an exhilarating feeling to see our national flag fluttering, be it in largely confined to the Government buildings in India, in the embassies, consulates and High-commissions abroad, in stadiums where sports are conducted.
The flag was limited for hoisting only at government buildings, but was thrown open to all homes in India, after a protracted battle in the Supreme Court of India. On 23.1.2004, on a Special Leave Petition filed by Industrialist Navin Jindal on the right of hoisting the flag by Indian citizens on their homes and roofs, the bench permitted such right by private citizens.
Our then President R. Venkatraman, in his foreword to a book named ‘our national flag,’ by Lt. Cdr. K.V. Singh stated, “Our flag, therefore, is both a benediction and beckoning. It contains the blessings of all those great souls who brought us to freedom. But it also beckons us to fulfil their vision of a just and united India. As we confront crucial challenges to our security, our unity and integrity, we cannot but heed to the call of this flag to rededicate ourselves to the establishment of that peaceful and just order wherein all Indians irrespective of creed, caste or sex will fulfil themselves.”
Though some foreign countries allow damage or desecration of the flag by its citizens, as a mark of protest against their government, in our country such indiscretions or disrespect to the flag is severely punishable.
Lastly, the many posts in Facebook, spew venom at a few protesting Kashmiris waving Pakistani flags. A flag symbolises the country, its uniqueness, its territorial possession. There was never a show of Indian flag in any part of Kashmir, save in Government buildings. The scenario should change.
My pain is, though the Supreme Court has permitted the hoisting of our National flag, seldom households’ sport the flag, a few only on Independence and Republic days. Go buy a flag, if you do not own one; hoist it from your rooftops, not limited to Independence Day, but every day. Sow the seeds of national fervour and show respect to our motherland.
Jai Hind!
Sampath Kumar
Intrépide voix
