Tomorrow our nation will be observing the 77th Independence Day. Long ago we made a tryst with density, when on August 15, 1947, our beloved country got Independence from British Raj. It was the spirit of our freedom fighters and citizens of those times that they fought for freedom with determination and gave us the wonderful gift of democracy. Thus, Independence Day serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by freedom fighters and visionaries who envisaged a sovereign, democratic India.
The fluttering tricolour, patriotic songs, and fervent celebrations across the length and breadth of the country are more than mere symbols; they stand as a testament to India’s unity in diversity. As citizens come together, regardless of caste, creed, or religion, the spirit of the day is about hope, resilience, and unwavering love for the motherland. It rekindles pride and reaffirms our shared responsibility towards nation-building.
Tomorrow our national flag will be hosted by our Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi. The national flag is hosted two times every year on Republic Day and on Independence Day. Even though both of these events appear the same as they give respect to Tiranga, however, there lies a difference between the two in regards to how the flag should be hosted. Let us have a look:
It is the positioning of the flag that holds great significance. The flag’s position highlights the distinction between unfurling and hoisting. On Independence Day, the national flag is hoisted at the pole’s base. To mark the day’s historical significance, the Prime Minister lifts and hoists the flag. On the other hand, on Republic Day, the flag is unfurled and secured at the pole’s peak. The President unfurls the flag on this day without lifting it, celebrating the adoption of the National Constitution.
The act of hoisting the flag on Independence Day represents the birth of a nation free from British colonial rule. On August 15, a rope is pulled from below, then released and raised by the country’s PM. This tradition of the Prime Minister hoisting the flag is rooted in history. At the time of independence, India had no President, making the Prime Minister the government’s head. Dr Rajendra Prasad became the first President on January 26, 1950, assuming the role of the ceremonial head of state. Therefore, following the tradition, annually, the Prime Minister hoists the flag at the Red Fort in New Delhi.
On the other hand, the President of the country unfurls the flag, symbolising India’s evolution as a republic. The country had already gained independence before celebrating its first Republic Day. This act marks the nation’s readiness to embrace its republican identity. The flag is unfurled on Republic Day at Rajpath now known as Kartavya Path in New Delhi.
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