Question

Write a brief note on the use of colours and the symbolic meaning of Chakra in our National Flag, and how they inspire a sense of pride, unity and dedication among all Indians.

Hint:

The Indian flag is not just a symbol; it is a moral compass guiding citizens toward unity, truth, and progress.

Answer 1

The National Flag of India, commonly known as the Tiranga, is a horizontal tricolour of deep saffron, white, and India green in equal proportion, with the Ashoka Chakra in navy blue at the center of the white band.
Use of Colours:

• Saffron (Top Band): Symbolizes courage, sacrifice, and the spirit of renunciation. It encourages Indian citizens to uphold high ideals and devote themselves selflessly to the nation.
• White (Middle Band): Stands for peace, truth, and purity. It represents honesty, transparency in governance, and the importance of maintaining harmony in a diverse country.
• Green (Bottom Band): Denotes faith, fertility, and growth. It reflects the land’s richness, progress, and the vitality of the Indian people.

Symbolic Meaning of Chakra:
The central navy blue wheel, known as the Ashoka Chakra, has 24 spokes and is derived from the Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath. It represents:

• Dharma (Righteousness): The Chakra is a symbol of justice and duty.
• Motion and Progress: The 24 spokes indicate continuous movement and evolution—stagnation leads to death; progress is the essence of life.
• Unity of Time: The 24 spokes also denote the 24 hours of a day, implying that time should be used constructively for the service of the nation.

Inspirational Significance:
Together, the colours and the Chakra inspire a strong sense of:

• Pride: Citizens feel proud to associate with the rich cultural and historical values the flag embodies.
• Unity: Despite diversity in language, religion, and culture, the flag symbolizes a shared identity and commitment to national integrity.
• Dedication: The ideals represented encourage all Indians to work tirelessly and selflessly for the growth and prosperity of the country.