Dear Karmayogi,
On Sunday evening (on NDTV, January 27, 2008) there was a debate and discussion regarding respect for our national symbol, the Tricolour. One group was against outward displays of emotion in regards to our Flag, their point of view being that respect for the national symbol is a personal sentiment. Any outward disrespect such as standing on the Flag or, for instance, cutting a cake in the shape of the Flag (as one sportsperson did recently) does not amount to disrespect for the symbol according to their side of the debate. In any case they maintained that symbolism such as the Flag was an outward manifestation and should not have any bearing on one’s patriotism.
Patriotism apart, these debates made me reflect on my own perspective which is that the National Flag is a symbol of Mother Earth and any mother deserves respect and reverence. Moreover, what is the use of having a symbol if we do not accord it respect? But then perhaps the nay-sayers in the discussion were unaware of what our Flag stands for. The Indian National Flag represents thought which has been taken from the world heritage philosophy of India; for example, the motto of the Nation, satyameva jayate (“truth must prevail”) is from the Mundaka Upanishad and represents our culture and tradition. The green band in the Tricolour represents respect for verdant nature, the ochre symbolises vairagya (“dispassion”) while the white band represents peace and harmony. When these values are enshrined in a Flag any expression of carelessness and nonchalance is tantamount to disregard and disrespect for its essential sacred meaning. In any case, obliviousness to symbolic substance do not send out positive messages to the coming generations and should not be encouraged. As human beings we live by symbols, whether words or images, does the nonchalant side of the discussion mean that all symbols are to lose their meaning? In every society, moreover, one follows values and norms of that particular culture therefore it is imperative that we nurture in young minds good values, good vibrations, and put the symbols of our culture into good actions
Mrs. Padmini Mani, Kodaikanal