Har Ghar Tiranga a BJP move to 'utilise' symbols rooted in public consciousness for divisive agenda

By Ram Puniyani*

As we approached the Independence Day 2024, the NDA Government called for the third edition of "Har Ghar Tiranga" (Tricolor in every home). This initiative first launched in 2022 under the BJP government has drawn attention, especially considering that the RSS, the ideological parent of the BJP, historically opposed the Tricolor as the national flag until January 26, 2001.

On that day, three activists—Baba Mendhe, Ramesh Kalambe, and Dilip Chatwani—along with others, entered RSS premises in Reshimbagh and hoisted the national flag amidst patriotic slogans, resulting in their arrest. They were later acquitted, marking the end of a 51-year period during which the RSS did not display the Tricolor.

The Tricolor, particularly with the Charkha, had emerged as a powerful symbol during India's freedom struggle. In 1929, Jawaharlal Nehru, then President of the Indian National Congress, called upon the nation to observe January 26 as Independence Day by hoisting the Tricolor.

In contrast, K.B. Hedgewar, the founder of the RSS, issued a directive on January 21, 1930, advocating for the "Bhagva Jhanda" (Saffron Flag), instructing members to gather at their local shakhas for a salute to the saffron flag. Their rationale was that the saffron flag represented a Hindu nation deeply rooted in tradition, negating the need for a new flag.

Nonetheless, the Tricolor was embraced by most participants in the freedom movement, with the exceptions being the Muslim League (which favored the green flag) and the RSS (which supported the saffron flag). Similarly, Vinayak Savarkar of the Hindu Mahasabha also advocated for the saffron flag. M.S. Golwalkar, the second chief of the RSS, articulated the organization’s position regarding the flag, asserting that the saffron banner wholly represented Indian culture and embodied divinity. Over the years, the RSS's affiliated publications consistently produced editorials opposing the Tricolor, championing the saffron flag instead.

The primary flag committee, chaired by Dr. Rajendra Prasad, included prominent figures such as C. Rajagopalachari, Maulana Azad, K. M. Munshi, and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. After thorough deliberation, they adopted the Tricolor, modifying it by replacing the Charkha with the Ashoka Chakra featuring 24 spokes. In the Constituent Assembly, Nehru framed the flag as a continuation of India’s rich historical and cultural legacy and a beacon of hope for the future. His poignant address recognized the immense sacrifices made by Indians to rid themselves of colonial oppression, connecting the flag to the values of peace and international harmony represented by Emperor Ashoka. Nehru emphasized:

"We envisioned a flag that would symbolize the spirit of the nation and our diverse traditions, which have evolved over thousands of years. This flag embodies not just an emblem but also the name of Asoka, a name of immense significance in both Indian and world history."

Golwalkar, in his writings, notably in Bunch of Thoughts, criticized the choice of the Tricolor as the national flag

Despite this historical context, the RSS and Sangh Parivar have continued to promote a Hindu nationalist agenda. Golwalkar, in his writings, notably in "Bunch of Thoughts," criticized the choice of the Tricolor as the national flag. He lamented:

“Our leaders have established a new flag. Why was this necessary? It reflects a drifting and imitative mindset... Once, we had a flag of our own, rich in history. Why this emptiness?”

Savarkar also rejected the Tricolor, calling for its boycott and declaring on September 22, 1941, that the ultimate representation of Hindudom lay in the Mahasabha flag, which featured the ancient symbols of the Hindu race.

In essence, the "Har Ghar Tiranga" initiative can be viewed as a strategic move by the BJP government. While adapting to changing times, it maintains its commitment to Hindu nationalism. The BJP employs a dual strategy regarding symbols: adopting those deeply rooted in the public consciousness while simultaneously promoting celebrations that drive a divisive narrative.

For example, the designation of August 14 as "Partition Horrors Remembrance Day" seeks to highlight the suffering of Hindus during partition, while remaining silent on the Muslim community’s experiences. Additionally, marking December 25 as "Good Governance Day" in honor of Atal Bihari Vajpayee represents a deliberate effort to overshadow Christmas celebrations.

Furthermore, the Tricolor has been utilized as a tool of intimidation, with groups of youths parading through Muslim-majority areas bearing the flag, or hoisting it on mosques during festivals such as Ram Navami.

The broader intent behind the "Har Ghar Tiranga" campaign appeared to be more about optics than a sincere dedication to the values of sacrifice, peace, and unity in diversity that the flag symbolizes.

---

*Political commentator

Comments

Wave of disappearances sparks human rights fears for activists in Delhi

By Harsh Thakor* A philosophy student from Zakir Hussain College, Delhi University, and an activist associated with Nazariya magazine, Rudra, has been reported missing since the morning of July 19, 2025. This disappearance adds to a growing concern among human rights advocates regarding the escalating number of detentions and disappearances of activists in Delhi.

How community leaders overcome obstacles to protect forests and pastures in remote villages

By Bharat Dogra Dheera Ram Kapaya grew up in such poverty that, unable to attend school himself, he would carry another boy’s heavy school bag for five kilometers just to get a scoop of daliya (porridge). When he was finally able to attend school, he had to leave after class five to join other adolescent workers. However, as soon as opportunities arose, he involved himself in community efforts—promoting forest protection, adult literacy, and other constructive initiatives. His hidden talent for writing emerged during this time, and he became known for the songs and street play scripts he created to promote forest conservation, discourage child marriages, and support other social reforms.

‘Act of war on agriculture’: Aruna Rodrigues slams GM crop expansion and regulatory apathy

By Rosamma Thomas* Expressing appreciation to the Union Agriculture Minister for inviting suggestions from farmers and concerned citizens on the sharp decline in cotton crop productivity, Aruna Rodrigues—lead petitioner in the Supreme Court case ongoing since 2005 that seeks a moratorium on genetically modified (GM) crops—wrote to Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on July 14, 2025, stating that conflicts of interest have infiltrated India’s regulatory system like a spreading cancer, including within the Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR).

The GMO illusion: Three decades of hype, harm, and false hope

By Sridhar Radhakrishnan Three decades of hype, billions of dollars spent, and still no miracle crop. It's time to abandon the GMO biotech fairy tale and return to the soil, the seed, and the farmer. “Trust us,” they said. “GMOs will feed the world.” Picture a world where there is plenty of food, no hunger, fields grow without chemical pesticides, children are saved from malnutrition, and people live healthily.

Sandra Gonzalez Sanabria: An inspiring life from Colombia’s Amazonian valley

By Vidya Bhushan Rawat* In the village of Héctor Ramírez, known as Agua Bonita, in La Montañita, Caquetá, Colombia, a vision of peace and renewal is unfolding. In the pre-2016 period, this would have been nearly impossible for outsiders to visit, as it was the epicenter of violent resistance against state oppression. However, after the Peace Accord was signed between the Colombian government and former revolutionaries—marking the end of a 70-year insurgency that claimed over 400,000 lives until 2025, including civilians, rebel fighters, and security personnel—things began to change. Visiting Agua Bonita during the Global Land Forum in Bogotá revealed a village of hope and resilience. Former FARC revolutionaries have settled here and transformed the village into a center of peace and aspiration.

Overriding India's constitutional sovereignty? Citizens urge PM to reject WHO IHR amendments

By A Representative A group of concerned Indian citizens, including medical professionals and activists, has sent an urgent appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to reject proposed amendments to the International Health Regulations (IHR) before the ratification deadline of July 19, 2025.

Indigenous Karen activist calls for global solidarity amid continued struggles in Burma

By A Representative At the International Festival for People’s Rights and Struggles (IFPRS), Naw Paw Pree, an Indigenous Karen activist from the Karen Human Rights Group (KHRG), shared her experiences of oppression, resilience, and hope. Organized with the support of the International Indigenous Peoples Movement for Self-Determination and Liberation (IPMSDL), the event brought together Indigenous and marginalized communities from across the globe, offering a rare safe space for shared learning, solidarity, and expression.

Activists allege abduction and torture by Delhi Police Special Cell in missing person probe

By A Representative A press statement released today by the Campaign Against State Repression (CASR) alleges that several student and social activists have been abducted, illegally detained, and subjected to torture by the Delhi Police Special Cell. The CASR claims these actions are linked to an investigation into the disappearance of Vallika Varshri, an editorial team member of 'Nazariya' magazine.

India’s zero-emission, eco-friendly energy strategies have a long way to go, despite impressive progress

By N.S. Venkataraman* The recent report released by OPEC’s World Oil Outlook 2025 has predicted that by the year 2050, crude oil would replace coal as India’s key energy source. Clearly, OPEC expects that India’s dependence on fossil fuels for energy will continue to remain high in one form or another.

Search This Blog