We are a country which takes pride in its sovereignty and is the largest democracy in the world. The flag of any country is a part of its self-esteem and is mostly symbolic of the respect towards the country and its idiosyncrasies. It was formerly used to differentiate between two different armies in combat and is till date one to biggest motivators for any country’s army. One of the reasons why flags have become more relevant than many other emblems is because they are superior to many other emblems: cheap and simple to make; easy to carry and display; and attracting attention with their lifelike movement in the wind.
The Indian flag represents an idea, or an ideal of a free and independent India. It is honored for what it represents and is not just a mere piece of decoration. It is held in high esteem for their history; for the sacrifices made by the people; for the qualities for which India and Indians stand. In my opinion, it is this respect that inhibits people from gifting Indian flag. The respect that it commands and deserves is too much to ask of a common man who might be using it on a day to day basis in various forms that it is available like say cufflinks or tiepins. Any Indian would choose to rather not have it that to have it and disrespect its charisma. Further, if we talk about the flag particularly, there is a “Flag code of India” included in the “Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971” (No. 69 of 1971) that specifies the dos and don’ts for the people who have the Tricolor with them. The conduct that is expected out of a person owning the flag is, with all due respect, cumbersome for a general person.
There is another aspect to this story as well. The national flag has a political connotation of international diplomacy conspicuous in it as it is mostly given to martyrs, foreign dignitaries etc. For this reason, it is possible that people do not see the flag as a proper gift to give in non-formal events like birthday, anniversary etc. This perception could be both right and wrong, depending on what form the Tricolor is being given. If given in the form of flag itself then, the Flag Code of India needs to be followed in both its letter and the spirit. But, if it is given in any other form like a tie pin or a cufflink then using basic etiquette should be enough to not disrespect the sanctity of the flag while flaunting it as a symbol that one is proud of. If carried properly a merchandised national flag in form of either of accessories can speak volumes about a person and the values that s/he believes in. As long as the respect for the flag exists in our hearts, the Tricolor can be the best gift an Indian could give.
So, what are you giving your boyfriend on his birthday???
The Indian flag represents an idea, or an ideal of a free and independent India. It is honored for what it represents and is not just a mere piece of decoration. It is held in high esteem for their history; for the sacrifices made by the people; for the qualities for which India and Indians stand. In my opinion, it is this respect that inhibits people from gifting Indian flag. The respect that it commands and deserves is too much to ask of a common man who might be using it on a day to day basis in various forms that it is available like say cufflinks or tiepins. Any Indian would choose to rather not have it that to have it and disrespect its charisma. Further, if we talk about the flag particularly, there is a “Flag code of India” included in the “Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971” (No. 69 of 1971) that specifies the dos and don’ts for the people who have the Tricolor with them. The conduct that is expected out of a person owning the flag is, with all due respect, cumbersome for a general person.
There is another aspect to this story as well. The national flag has a political connotation of international diplomacy conspicuous in it as it is mostly given to martyrs, foreign dignitaries etc. For this reason, it is possible that people do not see the flag as a proper gift to give in non-formal events like birthday, anniversary etc. This perception could be both right and wrong, depending on what form the Tricolor is being given. If given in the form of flag itself then, the Flag Code of India needs to be followed in both its letter and the spirit. But, if it is given in any other form like a tie pin or a cufflink then using basic etiquette should be enough to not disrespect the sanctity of the flag while flaunting it as a symbol that one is proud of. If carried properly a merchandised national flag in form of either of accessories can speak volumes about a person and the values that s/he believes in. As long as the respect for the flag exists in our hearts, the Tricolor can be the best gift an Indian could give.
So, what are you giving your boyfriend on his birthday???
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