India’s Tricolour: History, Meaning, and Why Respecting It Matters More Than Ever
Toronto, Aug 15 — Khalistani supporters abroad who often engage in acts of disrespect against the Indian national flag would reconsider their actions if they understood the deep history and symbolism behind the Tricolour, according to a detailed report released on Friday by Khalsa Vox.
The Three Colours and Their Significance
The Indian flag — saffron at the top, white in the middle, and green at the bottom — is more than a piece of cloth; it is a symbol of the nation’s identity and struggle for independence.
- Saffron (Top Band): Represents the country’s strength and courage.
- White (Middle Band): With the Dharma Chakra at its center, it symbolizes peace and truth.
- Green (Bottom Band): Signifies fertility, growth, and the sanctity of the land.
At the heart of the white band lies the Ashoka Chakra, derived from the Sarnath pillar built by Mauryan Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE. The wheel symbolizes that life is dynamic — to stop is to die.
How the Design Evolved
When first designed before independence, the white band was at the top. However, the Sikh community opposed this, advocating for saffron to be placed at the top. The sentiment was that even a weak person would feel empowered and motivated to join the freedom struggle upon seeing it.
Initially, the flag featured a spinning wheel instead of the Ashoka Chakra. The current design — saffron, white, green with the Ashoka Chakra — was officially adopted after India’s independence in 1947.
From Government Buildings to Every Household
For decades, only government offices and officials were permitted to hoist the Tricolour. This changed with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign, encouraging every Indian to proudly fly the flag from their homes.
Ahead of Independence Day, markets across the nation are flooded with Tricolours, which people display on homes, vehicles, and workplaces.
A Call for Pride and Caution
The Khalsa Vox report emphasized that the Sikh community should feel pride in having their sacred saffron at the top of the national flag. However, it also warned about a disturbing trend — Sikh symbols traditionally in saffron, like the Nishan Sahib, being increasingly shown in yellow. The report called this shift a matter for serious reflection, hinting at a possible conspiracy to alter cultural identity.
Final Thoughts — TheTrendingPeople.com
India’s Tricolour is a product of sacrifice, unity, and vision. Disrespecting it is not just an insult to a nation but a disregard for centuries of history and struggle. In times when symbolic unity is needed more than ever, remembering the Tricolour’s story can bridge divides and rekindle national pride — both within India and abroad.