Introduction:
National Flag: Pingali Venkaiah, a name etched in the annals of India’s history, occupies an important place as a visionary who conceptualized the Indian National Flag, also known as the Tricolor. This article pays tribute to the creative genius of Pingali Venkaiah and throws light on the story behind the iconic tricolour which symbolizes India’s unity, diversity and struggle for independence.
Early Years and Inspiration:
Born on August 2, 1876, in a simple village in Andhra Pradesh, Pingali Venkaiah displayed a deep love for his country from an early age. A multifaceted personality, Venkaiah was not only a freedom fighter and linguist but also a geologist and a dedicated teacher. His extensive travels across the country exposed him to India’s rich image of culture and diversity, which became the driving force behind his concept of a unified national emblem.
Birth of Tricolor: (National Flag)
His original design included two colours, red and green, representing the two major communities of India, Hindus and Muslims, At the suggestion of Gandhiji, Venkaiah added a white colour to represent all the other sects and religions present in India. Strip pair. Which was a symbol of peace and harmony. The concept evolved further, eventually leading to the iconic tricolour we know today, which includes the Ashoka Chakra, which signifies progress and righteousness. The flag was adopted in its present form during a meeting of the Constituent Assembly on 22 July 1947.
They included three horizontal stripes – saffron at the top, representing courage and sacrifice; white in the middle, symbolizing peace and truth; and green at the bottom, symbolizing fertility and prosperity.
Evolving Symbolism:
Over the years, the tricolour design underwent some changes, with the Ashoka Chakra, a symbol of righteousness, replacing the spinning wheel. This final design with 24 spokes represents the eternal cycle of life, progress and righteousness. The dark blue colour of the Ashoka Chakra was chosen to symbolize the boundless sky and the depth of the ocean.
Unveiling of the Tricolor:
The Indian national flag designed by Pingali Venkaiah was first hoisted in the year 1923 at the session of the All India Congress Committee in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh. Seeing the tricolour fluttering in the wind, a feeling of unity and patriotism was created among the people, due to which the essence of India’s freedom struggle was understood.
Legacy and Recognition:
Despite his great contribution, Pingali Venkaiah did not get the recognition he deserved during his lifetime. However, his legacy lives on through the tricolour, which continues to be a symbol of India’s sovereignty and spirit. In recognition of his contribution, his birthday, 2 August, is celebrated as National Flag Day, reminding the nation of his invaluable role in shaping India’s identity.
He died in relative poverty in 1963 and was largely forgotten by society. A postage stamp was issued in his memory in 2009. In 2012, his name was posthumously proposed for the Bharat Ratna.
Conclusion:
Pingali Venkaiah’s unwavering devotion to his country and his creative genius gave birth to the iconic Indian national flag, the tricolour. His vision of a unified symbol representing India’s diversity and struggle for independence continues to inspire generations. While we salute the tricolour, we must also remember the visionary behind its design – Pingali Venkayya – a true patriot whose legacy stands waving with pride and hope.
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