The flag of India

The Indian flag, representing India's long struggle for freedom is a national treasure. It signifies the status of India as an independent republic. The Indian National Flag came into being in its present form at the meeting of Constitutional Assembly on 22nd July 1947. The Indian National Flag was designed by "Pingali Venkayya". The flag contains three equal strips of Saffron, White and Green colors respectively. The ratio of its width to its length is two is to three.

A navy blue color "Chakra" known as 'Ashoka Chakra' having twenty-four spokes, is present in the middle of the white strip. According to standard set down by ISI (Indian Standard Institution) it should occupy seventy five percent of the space of the white strip.The National Flag is one of the most respectable national symbols. There are strict laws regarding its manufacturing and its hoisting. The official flag specifications require flag to be made up of just 'Khadi'. It is a special hand spun yarn made up of cotton, silk and wool.

Some Interesting Facts

• The Indian flag was hoisted on the highest mountain peak of the world, Mount Everest on 29th May 1953.
• Madam Bhikaji Rustom Cama was the first person to hoist Indian flag on foreign soil on 22nd August 1907 in Stuttgrat, Germany.
• The Indian National Flag flew to space in 1984 when Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma went to the space. The flag was attached as a medallion on the space suit of Rakesh Sharma.