ENGLISH ESSAY CLASS 8

The symbol of a free nation is the national flag of that country. Every free country in the world has its own national flag. Our country, India, too has its own national flag. It is referred to as 'Tiranga', meaning tricolour. Indian National Flag is a horizontally designed tricolour with stripes of deep saffron, white and green and a navy blue Ashok Chakra with 24 equally spaced spokes in the middle.

History of the National flag
The current national flag was adopted during a meeting of the Constituent Assembly that took place on 22 July 1947, just a few days before India's independence on 15 August, 1947. It served as the National Flag of the Dominion of India from 15 August 1947 to 26 January 1950 and that of the Republic of India thereafter. The flag is based on the concept of 'Swaraj' and was designed by Pingali Venkayya. At that time the saffron and green stripes were used to honour the two major religions of India, Hinduism and Islam. Later a white band was added in the centre with a spinning wheel in the middle to show respect to each other's religions.

About the present national flag of India
Each of the colours and the blue Ashok Chakra in the Indian National Flag has its own significance and meaning. The top saffron colour signifies the renunciation and devotion. The white colour in the centre represents peace and harmony. The green colour at the bottom symbolises youth and energy. The Ashoka Chakra or the Wheel of Ashoka denotes the courageousness and peace.

The designing specifications and manufacturing processes are looked after by the Bureau of Indian Standards. Our national flag is always made from khadi cloth, which is a special hand-spun cloth, first introduced by Mahatma Gandhi.

Apart from other laws, the Flag Code of India 2002 has been introduced to govern the display and use of the Indian National Flag in a manner that will in no way disrespect our national pride. Official regulation says that the flag must always be treated with "dignity, loyalty and respect". The flag must never touch the ground or water. It should never be used as tablecloths, draped in front of a platform, plaque, cover a statue, cornerstone etc.

According to the Indian National Law, damaged or soiled flags are not to be cast aside or disrespectfully destroyed. They are to be destroyed as a whole in private, preferably by burning or by any other method consistent with the dignity of the flag.

On our national days we ride on the waves of patriotism. Every corner, every crossroad, every shop, and most cars sport the tricolor - the symbol of our sovereignty.