The Meanings of the Indian Flag Colors
The national flag of India consists of three distinct colors in equally proportioned stripes. The top stripe is saffron; the middle stripe is white and has centered Ashoka Chakra spokes in blue; and the bottom stripe is green. The flag was adopted on July 22, 1947 just before India gained independence from Great Britain. The flag was based of the Indian National Congress flag designed by Pingali Venkayya.
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Saffron
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Saffron symbolizes the promotion of peace rather than war. It is meant to provoke those in power to work hard to promote patriotism and piety. The color is used frequently by priests and pundits to mark the foreheads of followers as a blessing.
White
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The white stripe also symbolizes the promotion of peace as well as simplicity and purity. It is meant as a reminder of light to guide citizens to engage in righteous conduct in every aspect of their lives.
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Green
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The bottom stripe is green and represents the agricultural foundation that the country has, wealth and prosperity. The color green is also meant as a reminder to Indians of their relation to the plant life that grows throughout the country. This plant life is used as food, medicine and as a means to sustain a living and provide for their families.
Ashoka Chakra
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The Ashoka Chakra is the wheel of life. The wheel is set in navy blue at the center of the flag. There are 24 spokes on the wheel. This wheel is a reminder to Indians that life does not stop; it continues in a circle for all eternity. It symbolizes for citizens that they should live each day for their future and for their descendants, rather than dwell on the temporary hardships of their lives.
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References
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