Our National Flag

This is the 2nd edition of the book which was first published in May, 1991. In this edition, the errors that had crept in the 1st edition have been corrected, and some additional information on the evolution of our national flag has been added. It is hoped that this book which depicts to an extent our struggle for freedom culminating in the winning of independence as well as in evolving a national flag will be of general interest. Further, from 26th January 2002, Indian citizens were permitted to fly their national flag throughout the year. This statutory change in the rules of flying our national flag has been incorporated in this revised edition.

Back of the Book

“A Flag is a necessity for all nations. Millions have died for it. It is no doubt a kind of idolatry which it would be a sin to destroy. For, a flag represents an ideal. The unfurling of the Union Jack in the English breast evokes sentiments whose strength is difficult to measure. The Stripes mean a world to the Americans. The Star and the Crescent will call forth the best bravery in Islam.

It will be necessary for us Indians-Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Jews, Parsis and all others to whom India is their home to recognize a common flag to live and to die for.”

“I remember, and many in this House will remember, how we looked up to this Flag not only with pride and enthusiasm but with tingling in our veins and also how when we were sometimes down and out, the sight of this flag gave us courage to go on. Then, many whose are not present here today, many of our comrades who have passed, held on to this flag, some amongst them even unto death, and handed it over as they sank, to others to hold it aloft.”