The Indian national flag, a symbol of unity, freedom, and pride, is largely credited to Pingali Venkayya, a polymath from Andhra Pradesh. While the Tricolour we see today has undergone several changes, the core design can be traced back to Venkayya’s efforts, starting decades before India’s independence.
Born on 2 August 1878 in Andhra Pradesh, Venkayya pursued education at Cambridge and displayed diverse interests ranging from agriculture and geology to languages. His patriotism deepened when he met Mahatma Gandhi during the Second Boer War (1899-1902) while serving in the British Indian Army in South Africa. After returning to India, Venkayya took on the task of designing a national flag, publishing a booklet in 1916 that featured various flags of other nations.
In 1921, Venkayya presented his initial flag design to Gandhi in Vijayawada. It featured two bands—red and green—representing Hindus and Muslims, the country’s two major religious communities. Upon Gandhi’s suggestion and Lala Hansraj’s recommendation, a white band was added for peace, along with the charkha (spinning wheel) symbolizing self-reliance. This rudimentary design laid the foundation for what would become India’s national flag.
Historian Ramachandra Guha notes that in 1931, the Congress committee altered the red band to saffron, repositioning it at the top, followed by white and then green. The charkha was moved to the central white band. Gandhi endorsed these changes, emphasizing that the flag represented non-violence and unity among all religions. Post-Independence, the charkha was replaced with the Ashok Chakra, though it remains unclear who recommended this change. Some sources suggest that Badruddin and Surayya Tyabji played a role in this modification.
Despite his monumental contribution, Venkayya’s legacy faded post-Independence, leaving him largely forgotten. He passed away in poverty on 4 July 1963. However, efforts have been made to revive his memory. In 1992, then Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N.T. Rama Rao included Venkayya’s statue among the 31 icons at Tank Bund, Hyderabad. In 2009, a commemorative stamp was issued in his honor, and his name was recommended for the Bharat Ratna in 2014, although he was not selected. In 2015, then Urban Development Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu renamed the AIR Vijayawada station after Venkayya and unveiled his statue on the premises.
For Venkayya, the national flag was not just a symbol, but a unifying force that transcended communal divides. He believed it should command respect from all citizens and represent sacrifice, peace, and unity. His efforts in creating the Tricolour laid the groundwork for integrating diverse communities under a common banner during India’s freedom struggle.
Q1. Who was Pingali Venkayya?
Answer: Pingali Venkayya was an Indian polymath credited with designing the national flag of India, symbolizing unity and diversity.
Q2. What does the Indian national flag represent?
Answer: The Indian national flag represents unity, peace, and the struggle for independence, reflecting the country's diverse cultural heritage.
Q3. What changes were made to the flag after independence?
Answer: Post-independence, the charkha was replaced with the Ashok Chakra, symbolizing the eternal wheel of law and justice.
Q4. When did Pingali Venkayya pass away?
Answer: Pingali Venkayya passed away on 4 July 1963, largely forgotten despite his significant contributions.
Q5. What inspired Venkayya to design the national flag?
Answer: Venkayya's patriotism deepened after meeting Mahatma Gandhi, which inspired him to design a flag that represented India's unity and diversity.
Question 1: Who is credited with the design of the Indian national flag?
A) Mahatma Gandhi
B) Pingali Venkayya
C) B.R. Ambedkar
D) Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: What does the white band in the Indian flag symbolize?
A) Sacrifice
B) Peace
C) Unity
D) Strength
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: In what year was the current design of the Indian flag adopted?
A) 1947
B) 1931
C) 1950
D) 1963
Correct Answer: C
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