79th Independence Day: History, Evolution & Significance of India’s Tricolour
Introduction
As India prepares to mark its 79th Independence Day on August 15, 2025, the nation’s heart beats with pride as the Tiranga flutters across cities, towns, and villages. This year’s theme — “Naya Bharat” — symbolises the country’s aspiration to become a developed nation by 2047.
The celebrations will include the traditional flag hoisting at the Red Fort by the Prime Minister, a 21-Gun Salute, cultural performances, and a tribute to the nation’s journey of resilience, unity, and progress.
Official Adoption of the Tricolour
The Indian National Flag, known as the Tiranga, was officially adopted on July 22, 1947, by the Constituent Assembly, just weeks before independence. It consists of:
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Three equal horizontal bands:
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Saffron at the top — representing courage and sacrifice.
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White in the middle — symbolising peace and truth.
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Green at the bottom — denoting fertility, growth, and prosperity.
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Ashoka Chakra in the centre — a navy blue wheel with 24 spokes, derived from the Dharma Chakra of the Sarnath Lion Capital, symbolising law, justice, and righteousness.
Symbolism and Respect under the Flag Code of India
The Flag Code of India, 2002 governs the usage of the national flag by private, public, and government entities.
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The flag must always be displayed with dignity and never allowed to touch the ground or water.
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Damaged flags must be disposed of respectfully, preferably by burning.
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Independence Day: The flag is hoisted from the bottom of the pole to the top by the Prime Minister.
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Republic Day: The President unfurls a folded flag attached at the top of the pole.
Evolution of the Indian Flag: 1906–1947
1906 – The First Unofficial National Flag
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Hoisted on August 7, 1906 at Parsee Bagan Square, Calcutta (Kolkata).
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Designed by Sachindra Prasad Bose and Hemchandra Kanungo.
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Featured three horizontal stripes — green, yellow, and red — with eight white lotuses, a sun, and a crescent moon.
1907 – The Berlin Committee Flag
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Introduced by Madam Bhikaiji Cama.
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Carried saffron, green, and red stripes, symbolising courage, faith, and sacrifice.
1917 – Home Rule Movement Flag
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Raised during the movement led by Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Annie Besant.
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Signalled a clear demand for self-governance.
1921 – The Swaraj Flag
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Designed by Pingali Venkayya.
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Featured red, green, and white stripes, later modified to include a spinning wheel at Gandhi’s suggestion, representing self-reliance.
1931 – Precursor to the Present Flag
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Saffron, white, and green stripes with the spinning wheel at the centre.
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Adopted as a symbol of bravery, peace, and prosperity.
1947 – Adoption of the Tricolour
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The spinning wheel was replaced with the Ashoka Chakra, designed by Surayya Tyabji, marking the final form of the flag we see today.
Independence Day 2025 Celebrations
On August 15, 2025, the Prime Minister will hoist the national flag at the Red Fort, New Delhi. The event will:
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Honour the freedom fighters whose sacrifices made independence possible.
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Showcase cultural performances highlighting India’s unity in diversity.
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Reinforce the vision of Naya Bharat — a progressive, inclusive, and globally competitive India by 2047.
Conclusion
The Tiranga is not just a piece of fabric — it is the embodiment of India’s struggle for independence, its values of peace, unity, and courage, and its vision for the future. As we celebrate the 79th Independence Day, every citizen is reminded of their duty to uphold the dignity and principles symbolised by the flag.
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