22 July 1947: The Day Our Flag Found Its True Colors—But Who Chose Them?

 Every nation needs a symbol, one that speaks to its soul. For India, that symbol is the Tricolour. On 22 July 1947, just weeks before Independence, the Constituent Assembly of India formally adopted the national flag we now proudly call the Tiranga. This moment wasn’t just about choosing fabric and color; it was about shaping a vision of freedom, unity, and hope for generations to come. National Flag Day, celebrated each year on 22 July, marks this powerful milestone. It’s a day to remember the values our flag stands for and the extraordinary journey it took from rebellion to recognition.From Cloth to Country: The Story of Our TricolourBefore the Tricolour became the national flag, several versions of Indian flags were flown during the freedom movement. One of the earliest appeared in 1906 in Kolkata, followed by the overseas version hoisted by Madame Bhikaji Cama in Paris in 1907. The turning point came with Pingali Venkayya, a freedom fighter from Andhra Pradesh. In 1921, Venkayya designed a flag featuring a charkha (spinning wheel), symbolizing self-reliance. Over the years, this design evolved. When India was nearing independence in 1947, the charkha was replaced by the Ashoka Chakra, representing righteousness, movement, and progress. This final version—saffron at the top, white in the middle with the Ashoka Chakra, and green at the bottom—was officially accepted on 22 July 1947.The Forgotten Woman Behind the Flag: Suraiyya TyabjiWhile Pingali Venkayya is often credited with the flag’s design, one remarkable woman’s contribution remains largely unrecognized: Suraiyya Tyabji. A progressive artist and social thinker from Hyderabad, Suraiyya played a crucial role in finalizing the flag’s design, colors, and fabric. Married to Badruddin Tyabji, a civil servant and Vice Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University, Suraiyya was actively involved in committees under the Constituent Assembly. When India needed a national emblem and a flag, the responsibility was given to the Tyabjis. It was Suraiyya Tyabji who suggested the Ashoka Chakra, supervised the stitching of the first flag, and selected the exact shades that would later become India’s identity. That very night, the flag was presented to Jawaharlal Nehru, and on 22 July 1947, it was unanimously accepted. Her name may not appear in textbooks, but her legacy flutters across every flagpole in the country.What the Flag Stands For: Symbolism of the TricolourThe Indian national flag isn’t just fabric; it’s a living symbol of the nation’s dreams, courage, and collective soul. Each colour has a deep meaning. Saffron at the top stands for courage, sacrifice, and strength. White in the middle signifies peace, purity, and truth, along with the Ashoka Chakra, which has 24 spokes symbolizing the eternal wheel of law and progress. Green  at the bottom reflects growth, fertility, and auspiciousness. The Ashoka Chakra, taken from Emperor Ashoka’s lion capital at Sarnath, replaces the earlier charkha to symbolize motion and righteous action.The Flag Code: Rights and RespectFor decades, ordinary Indians couldn’t hoist the national flag freely. That changed on 26 January 2002, when the Flag Code of India was revised. Now, every citizen has the right to fly the national flag at homes, offices, schools, or factories, provided they follow the dignity and rules laid out. Rules include never letting the flag touch the ground or water. It should always be hoisted with saffron on top. It must be respected with no writing, drapery, or decorative misuse. Damaged flags should be disposed of respectfully. This code reminds us that freedom comes with responsibility, and honouring the flag is part of honouring our nation. Unlike Independence Day (15 August) or Republic Day (26 January), National Flag Day doesn’t always involve parades or public holidays. But its spirit is just as powerful. It’s a day to learn, reflect, and teach future generations about the struggles behind our flag and the values it represents.A Flag for the People, by the PeopleOur flag unites 1.4 billion people across languages, religions, and regions. Whether it's flown on a border post in Ladakh, a boat in Kerala, a school in Assam, or a home in Gujarat, it's the same flag telling the same story of courage, unity, and hope. The Tricolour reminds us of the freedom we inherited, the duty we carry, and the future we must build. National Flag Day is not just about remembering when the flag was adopted. It’s about understanding why. Behind every fold of the Tricolour are dreams, struggles, sweat, and silent sacrifices. So the next time you see the Tiranga fluttering in the wind, take a moment not just to salute it, but to feel the heartbeat of a billion souls rising with it. Let’s remember Pingali Venkayya, Suraiyya Tyabji, and countless unnamed heroes who stitched more than just a flag; they stitched a nation together.Jai Hind.