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16 16 National Symbols

Every free country has some symbols for its recognition and to bind its people together.
These symbols inspire nationalistic feelings in the countrymen.

India is a big country. Its population is second highest (about 120 crore) in
the world after China. India was under the rule of Britishers for many years. On
15th August 1947, India became free.

Our country also has its national symbols.

National Flag

Our national flag is Tiranga . Tiranga means
three colours. Our national flag is rectangular in
shape. The ratio of width to length is two to

three (2 : 3). It has three colours, saffron at the
top, white in the middle and dark green at the

bottom. All three bands are equal in proportion.
There is a wheel of navy blue colour in the centre
of the white band. This wheel consists 24 spokes .

All these colours have their own meaning and
significance.

The saffron colour stands for sacrifice.

The white colour stands for peace and truth .

The green colour stands for life , fertility and prosperity .

Wheel suggests and inspires us to move forward and lead the nation to

progress and prosperity .

On national festivals, it is hoisted with great honour. When the flag is hoisted
we salute it. The Prime-minister hoists the national flag on independence day at
the Red Fort. The President hoists the national flag on Republic day.

We give our utmost respect to it. It should be kept half mast during national
mourning.

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