The Indian national flag, a symbol of the nation’s pride and identity, was designed by Pingali Venkayya, a prominent Indian freedom fighter and a notable figure in the struggle for independence. Venkayya, who was an ardent supporter of Mahatma Gandhi’s vision, crafted the design of the flag in 1921 during the Indian National Congress session held in Vijayawada.

The flag’s design features three horizontal stripes of different colors—saffron at the top, white in the middle, and green at the bottom—with a 24-spoke navy blue wheel, known as the Ashoka Chakra, at its center. The saffron stripe symbolizes courage and sacrifice, the white stripe represents truth and peace, and the green stripe stands for faith and chivalry. The Ashoka Chakra, derived from the Lion Capital of Ashoka, represents the eternal wheel of law and righteousness.

Venkayya’s design went through various modifications before it was officially adopted. Initially, the flag was referred to as the ‘Swaraj Flag’ and had eight spokes, but it evolved to its final form with 24 spokes, signifying the continuous progress of the nation. On July 22, 1947, the Indian Constituent Assembly officially adopted the design, and the flag was hoisted for the first time on August 15, 1947, marking India’s independence from British rule.

Pingali Venkayya’s design was not only a significant artistic achievement but also a powerful symbol of India’s aspirations for freedom and unity. His contribution remains a lasting legacy, representing the spirit of India and its enduring quest for justice and equality.