Facts about Republic Day and National Flag of India

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• published: 24 Jan 2015
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Know the pride facts related to 26th January, republic day of India and the Tricolour, National Flag of India. On 26th January 1950, the Constitution of India came into force and India formally became a Republic. 26th January was especially selected since it was the anniversary of Purna Swaraj Day (26th January 1930). India has the longest written Constitution in the world, incorporating 448 Articles in 22 Parts, 12 Schedules and 97 Amendments. Dr. B.R.Ambedkar spent 2 years 11 months and 18 days to draft the Indian Constitution. Two hand-written copies of the Constitution were prepared, one in English and one in Hindi. Both hand-written copies of the Constitution were signed by 308 members of the Assembly on 24th January 1950. It became effective two days later, and came into force throughout the country. The original hand-written copies of the Constitution are kept in helium-filled cases in the Library of Parliament House. India’s motto “Satyamev Jayate” is taken from the Mundaka Upanishad,from the Atharvaveda. It was translated into Hindi by Abid Ali in 1911. Madan Mohan Malviya was responsible for selecting the Indian motto, "Satyamev Jayate" Rabindranath Tagore wrote Jana Gana Mana in Bengali first. It was translated by Abid Ali into Hindi, in 1911, and officially adopted as the Indian National Anthem in 1950. National Anthem is sung in 52 seconds. The Indian emblem is adapted from the Ashoka Pillar at Sarnath, dating back to 250 BC. The Indian flag was conceptualized and designed by Pingali Venkayya, a farmer from Machilipatnam. The ratio of the Indian flag’s width to length is two to three. The Indian flag, by law, is made of khadi (hand spun and hand woven wool/cotton) and can be only made in nine specified sizes. Flying an Indian flag made from any material other than khadi is punishable by law with upto three years of imprisonment and a hefty fine. The Indian flag should never touch the ground or water, or ever be used as drapery. Dr. Rajendra Prasad took oath as India’s first President on 26th January 1950. A 21 gun salute is fired as the President of India unfurls the tricolour, as a naval and military mark of honour. Here are 7 Republic day facts you must know. The Prime Minister places a wreath at Amar Jawan Jyoti as a mark of respect to the thousands of soldiers of the country who had died fighting for the Indian Independence. Republic day is chosen as the day to give away bravery awards to deserving candidates. The awards that are given away are Veer Chakra, Maha Veer Chakra, Param Veer Chakra, Kirti Chakra and Ashoka Chakra. The 'Beating Retreat' held on 29th January, marks the end of all Republic day celebrations in the country. The ceremony is held Vijay Chowk where bands of the Indian Army, Indian Air Force and Indian Navy perform. The ceremonial performance of bands of the defense forces was started in the early 1950s by a certain Major Roberts of the Indian Army. One of the most popular tune that is played at the Republic day functions is 'Abide with me', a Christian hymn, which was said to be Mahatma Gandhi's favourite. The significance of the colours and the chakra in the National Flag was amply described by Dr. S. Radhakrishnan in the Constituent Assembly which unanimously adopted the National Flag. Dr. S. Radhakrishnan explained—“Bhagwa or the saffron colour denotes renunciation of disinterestedness. Our leaders must be indifferent to material gains and dedicate themselves to their work. The white in the centre is light, the path of truth to guide our conduct. The green shows our relation to soil, our relation to the plant life here on which all other life depends. The Ashoka Wheel in the center of the white is the wheel of the law of dharma. Truth or satya, dharma or virtue ought to be the controlling principles of those who work under this flag. Again, the wheel denotes motion. There is death in stagnation. There is life in movement. India should no more resist change, it must move and go forward. The wheel represents the dynamism of a peaceful change.” The standard sizes of the National Flag shall be as follows:- Flag Size No. Dimensions in mm 1 6300 X 4200 2 3600 X 2400 3 2700 X 1800 4 1800 X 1200 5 1350 X 900 6 900 X 600 7 450 X 300 8 225 X 150 9 150 X 100 An appropriate size should be chosen for display. The flags of 450X300 mm size are intended for aircrafts on VVIP flights, 225X150 mm size for motor-cars and 150X100 mm size for table flags