The Tiranga Is Every Citizen's Right, Not Just A Ritual

In the early 1990s, while studying in the United States (US), I witnessed something remarkable: ordinary citizens proudly flying their national flag atop their homes, businesses, and cars. To them, the flag was not merely a government emblem; it was an integral part of their daily lives, identity, and personal patriotism.

Upon returning to India in 1992, filled with pride, I hoisted the Indian National Flag at my factory in Raigarh, Chhattisgarh. However, I was swiftly stopped by local authorities. I was informed that under the 'Flag Code of India', private citizens were prohibited from displaying the National Flag on ordinary days—it was restricted to Independence Day (August 15) and Republic Day (January 26).

That moment struck me deeply. As a proud Indian, on my own soil, being denied the right to display my nation's flag with dignity felt deeply unfair. I firmly believed that the Tiranga does not belong to any government, official, or institution; it belongs to every single one of our 1.4 billion citizens. That conviction ignited a historic, decade-long legal battle.

From A Citizen To A Crusader

When I decided to challenge this restriction in court, many viewed it as a trivial matter. But for me, it was never just about displaying a piece of cloth; it was a crusade for the self-respect, dignity, and fundamental freedom of expression of every Indian.

The journey was anything but easy. From the High Court of Delhi to the Supreme Court of India, the legal battle spanned nearly a decade (1994 to 2004). Through endless court dates, procedural delays, and legal complexities, there were moments when the path seemed daunting. But whenever doubt crept in, I looked at the three colours and the Ashoka Chakra. The Saffron reminded me of courage, the White of truth and peace, and the Green of growth and faith. Inspired by the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi and Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, I knew that if the intent was pure and the cause was for the nation, no obstacle could stand in the way.

January 23, 2004, remains a golden chapter not just in my personal life, but in the history of independent India. On that momentous day, a bench headed by the Chief Justice of India delivered a landmark verdict, declaring that: "Flying the National Flag with respect and dignity is a Fundamental Right guaranteed to every citizen under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution of India."

Hearing those words in the courtroom brought tears to my eyes. That victory was not Naveen Jindal’s personal victory; it was a victory for every Indian. The flag that had been confined to government buildings and special occasions for decades was finally placed into the hands and homes of every citizen.

Following the Supreme Court judgment, we founded the Flag Foundation of India (FFOI) on June 3, 2003, with a vision to spread awareness about flag etiquette and foster national pride.

Today, seeing the #HarGharTiranga campaign led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi turn into a massive national festival fills my heart with immense gratitude. As millions of homes across cities and villages flutter with the Tiranga, I see the grandest fulfilment of my 10-year legal fight. What began as a personal struggle 32 years ago has transformed into a vibrant nation-building movement.

Vande Mataram And The Spirit Of The Tiranga

This year, blending the resonant chants of 'Vande Mataram' into the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign has created an extraordinary patriotic environment. 'Vande Mataram' is not just a song; it is a sacred hymn of devotion to our motherland that empowered our freedom fighters as they faced the gallows.

The Tiranga is our identity, and 'Vande Mataram' is our soul. When the Tiranga flutters against the backdrop of 'Vande Mataram', it bridges our historical sacrifices, our present unity, and our shared dream of a 'Viksit Bharat'.

I have always maintained that "A right without duty is incomplete." While the Supreme Court granted us the right to fly our flag, it also entrusted us with the civic duty to uphold its dignity as prescribed by the Flag Code of India.

Even though amendments now allow machine-made/polyester flags and night-time hoisting, every citizen must observe basic flag protocol. The flag should never be damaged, torn, faded, or flown at half-mast, except on official mourning occasions. The Tiranga should never touch the ground or water, and no other flag or emblem should be placed higher than or parallel to the National Flag. When displayed, the Saffron band must always be at the top.

It is deeply painful to see small paper or plastic flags lying discarded on streets after national celebrations. The flag for which our martyrs laid down their lives deserves absolute respect at all times.

Addressing this, the Flag Foundation of India has launched a nationwide initiative urging citizens to send their old, worn-out, or damaged flags to our collection centres rather than discarding them improperly. We will recycle them with full respect and dignity as per the Flag Code of India to give them a new lease of life as brand-new flags. True patriotism lies in celebrating our rights while honouring our responsibilities.

While 'Har Ghar Tiranga' is a fantastic annual festival, the ultimate mission of the Flag Foundation is 'Har Din Tiranga' (Tiranga Every Day). The National Flag should not be confined to August 15 or January 26.

Seeing the flag every morning or wearing a flag pin on your lapel serves as a daily reminder to act with integrity, honesty, and a 'Nation First' mindset. The Saffron teaches us sacrifice, the White reminds us of peace and truth, the Green signifies growth, and the Ashoka Chakra inspires constant movement forward. When these values guide our daily conduct, true nation-building happens.

Monumental Flags: Symbols Of National Pride

To instil a sense of pride in public spaces, the Flag Foundation of India has installed over 200 Monumental Flags across the country, from defence establishments and universities to remote border areas and key city centres like Kurukshetra and New Delhi.

Standing beneath a 207-foot flagpole, watching a massive 60x90-foot Tiranga flutter in the wind, fills any onlooker with profound emotion. While every monumental flag is special, those in Connaught Place, New Delhi, and the holy land of Kurukshetra hold a deeply emotional place in my heart, reminding every passerby to put the nation above all else.

India’s Gen Z and young, dynamic leaders are full of energy, innovation, and ambition. My message to our youth is clear: India is the fastest-growing economy in the world today. The vision of a Viksit Bharat @2047 rests on your hard work, clear goals, and spirit of cooperative endeavour.

I hope the younger generation remembers this flag movement not just as a legal victory, but as a spark for a new era of civic consciousness and duty.

As I stand before our National Flag today, I invite all 1.4 billion citizens to join me in taking one solemn pledge:

"Whatever role we play—whether as farmers, soldiers, entrepreneurs, students, or workers- we will always place national interest above personal interest. Let us embrace 'Har Ghar Tiranga' and 'Har Din Tiranga' in our hearts, fulfil our civic duties with total dedication, and work together to build a strong, prosperous, and self-reliant Viksit Bharat."

Disclaimer: The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the organisation.