Every country has her own national flag. It provides a distinct identity to a nation. It is the symbol of freedom and national pride. India is an independent country. She has a national flag which we are very proud of When it flies on top of a building or a flag-post, our hearts swell with great pride and nationalism.
The history of our national flag is long. Freedom-fighters fought a long battle under its shadow. Many died fighting, but kept the flag high and flying. It inspired them to make great sacrifices and struggle hard for freedom. It united the people of all castes and communities in a strong national bond. Our leaders, when they first designed it, placed a spinning wheel in the centre. Later, it was replaced by the wheel of Ashok Chakra. It symbolises justice, peace and spirituality. It is deep blue in colour and has 24 spokes. It also stands for duty and 'dharma.' Our national flag has three horizontal bands or stripes of equal length and breadth. There are three different colours. It is rectangular in shape. The three colours stand for peace, purity and power. At the top is the saffron colour, which stands for valour, courage and the spirit of sacrifice. The white colour represents peace, purity, truth and honesty. The dark green colour at the bottom stands for growth, agriculture and prosperity. It is very beautiful to look at. All colours tell us that we should live in peace and love everybody.
Our national flag is the symbol of our glory. We should respect our flag. We should ever keep it fly high. We must always treat our national flag with respect and dignity. On our national festivals like August 15, January26, etc. it is hoisted on all the important buildings and offices. It is offered formal salute by our leaders and officers on such occasions. On sad occasions, it can be seen flying at half-mast. It symbolizes national mourning. the Hindus.
