Unfurling Freedom: Decoding the Symbolism of Tricolour on Republic Day and Independence Day

 

• • India’s national flag, the tricolour, stands as a powerful symbol of freedom, unity, and democracy. However, the two national days – Independence Day on August 15th and Republic Day on January 26th – witness distinct actions with the flag: “hoisting” on Independence Day and “unfurling” on Republic Day. This seemingly subtle difference carries rich symbolic meaning, reflecting the nuances of these pivotal moments in India’s journey.

 

Hoisting the Tricolour: Celebrating Liberation and Birth of a Nation: 15th August

 

• • On Independence Day, the Prime Minister hoists the flag at the iconic Red Fort. The flag, attached at the base of the flagpole, is raised, signifying the breaking of the shackles of colonial rule and the emergence of a new nation. The act marks the birth of a free India, independent and sovereign.
  • The upward movement of the flag evokes a sense of triumph, ascension, and breaking free. It visualizes the nation rising from the shadows of colonial oppression and taking its rightful place in the world. The raised flag, fluttering triumphantly in the wind, embodies the aspirations and dreams of a newly liberated people.

 

Unfurling the Tricolour: Unveiling a New Chapter, Renewing Commitment: 26th January

• • On Republic Day, the President of India unfurls the flag at Kartavya Path (formerly Rajpath). The flag, tied and adorned with flowers at the top of the flagpole, is unfurled in a graceful, cascading motion. This act symbolizes the unveiling of the newly adopted Constitution and the subsequent birth of a republic.
  • The unfurling signifies the unfolding of a new chapter in India’s history, governed by the ideals enshrined in the Constitution. It represents the collective commitment of the people to uphold the principles of democracy, rule of law, and equality. The smooth, flowing movement of the flag evokes a sense of grace, deliberation, and a dedication to cherished values.

 

Understanding the difference: Celebrating Different Milestones

 

The difference between hoisting and unfurling is not merely technical. It highlights the distinct nature of the two national days.

 

• • Independence Day: Celebrates the external liberation from colonial rule and the creation of a new nation.

• • Republic Day: Celebrates the internal transformation into a democratic republic governed by the Constitution and the fulfillment of the promise of independence.

• • Hoisting celebrates the achievement of freedom, while unfurling celebrates the framework for sustaining it. Both actions are integral to understanding India’s journey as a free nation.

 

Why is there a difference between the Prime Minister and the President in both events?

 

• • On the occasion of Independence Day (15 August), the Prime Minister participates in the program and hoists the flag. Whereas on Republic Day, the President of the country participates in the main program of 26 January and hoists the flag.

 

Is there a difference in location also?

 

• • On Independence Day, the program is organized at the Red Fort. On this day the Prime Minister hoists the flag. At the same time, the Republic Day program takes place on Kartavya Path. On this day the President unfurl the flag.

 

Why does the President hoist the flag only on 26 January?

 

• • The Prime Minister is the political head of the country while the President is the constitutional head. The Constitution of the country came into force on January 26, 1950. Before that there was neither a Constitution nor a President in the country. For this reason, every year on 26 January the President unfurl the national flag.

 

Conclusion: Two Actions, One Flag, Shared Spirit

 

• • Whether hoisted or unfurled, the tricolour remains a unifying symbol of the Indian spirit. It reminds us of the sacrifices made for freedom, the values that bind us together, and the aspirations we share as a nation. On both Independence Day and Republic Day, the flag inspires us to continue striving for a just, equitable, and prosperous India, true to the ideals of its past and its present.

 

Mains Questions:

 

Model Answer:

 

The actions of “hoisting” and “unfurling” the tricolour on India’s national days hold profound symbolic meaning, reflecting the distinct nature of Independence Day and Republic Day.

 

Independence Day:

 

• • Hoisting: The upward movement of raising the flag symbolizes the breaking free from the shackles of colonial rule and the birth of a new nation. It evokes a sense of liberation, triumph, and ascension.

• • Historical Milestone: This action commemorates the external achievement of freedom on August 15th, 1947, marking the end of British colonial rule and the creation of the independent Republic of India.

 

Republic Day:

 

• • Unfurling: The gradual unfolding of the flag represents the inauguration of the newly adopted Constitution and the transformation into a democratic republic. It embodies a sense of unveiling, deliberation, and dedication to cherished values.

• • Constitutional Milestone: This action celebrates the internal transformation on January 26th, 1950, when the Constitution came into effect, establishing India as a sovereign, socialist, secular, and democratic republic.

• • In essence, while hoisting celebrates the achievement of freedom, unfurling celebrates the framework for sustaining it. Both actions are integral to understanding India’s journey as a free nation, highlighting the significance of both external liberation and internal governance.

 

 

Model Answer:

 

There are arguments for and against using the same action for both national days:

 

Arguments for consistency:

 

• • Unity and simplicity: Using the same action could promote a sense of unity and avoid unnecessary complexity in understanding the symbolism.

• • Focus on freedom: Hoisting, emphasizing the upward movement, could solely focus on the celebration of freedom achieved on both days.

 

Arguments for distinct actions:

 

• • Distinctive milestones: Different actions emphasize the unique character of each day – “hoisting” for the external achievement of freedom and “unfurling” for the internal transformation into a republic.

• • Deeper understanding: Distinct actions encourage a deeper understanding of the historical and constitutional significance of each day.
    In my opinion, the current practice of distinct actions enhances the symbolic meaning of each day. It allows for a nuanced appreciation of the two milestones – the joyful liberation from colonial rule and the reflective commitment to democratic principles. The different actions reinforce the distinct historical and constitutional significance of each day, enriching the national discourse and promoting a deeper understanding of India’s unique journey.

• • Ultimately, the debate on hoisting versus unfurling reflects the ongoing conversation about national identity and the evolving interpretation of India’s freedom struggle and democratic path. Both perspectives offer valuable insights, and the current practice strikes a balance, recognizing the common thread of freedom while honoring the distinct stages of India’s journey.

 

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