National Symbols
This section provides an introduction to the National Identity Elements of India. These symbols form an integral part of India’s identity and cultural heritage. Indians across all demographic groups, both within the country and around the world, take pride in these National Symbols, as they instill a deep sense of patriotism and national pride in the hearts of every Indian.
National Flag
The National Flag is a horizontal tricolour of India saffron (kesaria) at the top, white in the middle and India green at the bottom in equal proportion. The ratio of width of the flag to its length is two to three. In the centre of the white band is a navy-blue wheel which represents the chakra.
The top saffron colour, indicates the strength and courage of the country. The white middle band indicates peace and truth with Dharma Chakra. The green shows the fertility, growth and auspiciousness of the land.
Its design is that of the wheel which appears on the abacus of the Sarnath Lion Capital of Ashoka. Its diameter approximates to the width of the white band and it has 24 spokes. The design of the National Flag was adopted by the Constituent Assembly of India on 22 July 1947.
National Anthem
The National Anthem of India, Jana Gana Mana, was originally composed in Bengaliby Rabindranath Tagore. Its Hindi version was formally adopted by the Constituent Assembly of India on 24 January 1950 as the National Anthem.
The anthem was first sung publicly on 27 December 1911 during the Kolkata Session of the Indian National Congress.
Jana Gana Mana consists of five stanzas, of which only the first stanza constitutes the complete National Anthem. The full rendition takes approximately 52 seconds.
A short version, comprising the first and last lines of the first stanza, with duration of about 20 seconds, is also prescribed for use on specific ceremonial occasions.
National Song
Vande Mataram, composed in Sanskrit by Bankimchandra Chattopadhyay, served as a powerful source of inspiration during India’s freedom struggle. Recognized as the National Song of India, it occupies a place of honour equal to that of Jana Gana Mana, the National Anthem.
On 24 January 1950, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the then President of India, made an official statement in the Constituent Assembly affirming that Vande Mataram, which played a historic role in the national movement, shall be accorded equal respect and status alongside Jana Gana Mana.
The song was first rendered on a political platform at the 1896 session of the Indian National Congress. It originally appeared in Bankimchandra Chattopadhyay’s renowned novel Anandamath, published in1882.
State Emblem
