very time the Indian Tricolour flutters in the wind, it tells a story of unity, sacrifice, and freedom. But do you know the visionary who gave shape to this symbol? Pingali Venkayya — a freedom fighter, scholar, geologist, and patriot — dedicated his life to India’s independence. From serving in the Boer War, to meeting Mahatma Gandhi, to presenting the first design of the national flag in 1921, Venkayya’s journey is one of relentless dedication. This video takes you through his life — his inspiration, his design, and the unshakable dream that became the heart of India’s identity. Sadly, he died in obscurity in 1963, with little recognition. Today, his story deserves to be heard by every Indian.
00:00Every time the Indian tricolour unfurls against the sky, it speaks of unity, sacrifice and aspiration.
00:10But who breathed life into that symbol?
00:13Today, we journey into the extraordinary story of Pingali Venkaya, the visionary behind our national flag.
00:22Born on 2nd August 1876 in Bhatla Pinamar Ronyar, Machali Patanam in present-day Andhra Pradesh,
00:29Pingali Venkaya grew up with a passion for learning.
00:33A multifaceted intellect, he pursued geology studies, became a lecturer and earned nicknames like Diamond Venkaya for mineral expertise and Pati Venkaya for his work in cotton farming.
00:48He was also a polyglot gifted in languages, delivering an entire speech in Japanese in 1930, which earned him the moniker Japan Venkaya.
00:59At 19, Venkaya joined the British Indian Army.
01:03Serving in the Second World War in South Africa, he encountered a moment that reshaped his destiny, Indian saluting the Union Jack.
01:12It awakened in him the realization, India deserves its own flag.
01:17His resolve deepened after meeting Mahatma Gandhi during that time, a meeting that marked the beginning of a lifelong bond.
01:26From 1906, Venkaya began tirelessly proposing a national flag at Indian National Congress sessions, opposing the hoisting of the British flag.
01:35In 1916, he published a book titled A National Flag for India, containing numerous designs, each rooted in India's heritage.
01:46Then, in March to April 1921, during the AICC session in Vijaywada, Gandhi personally invited him to design a flag.
01:58Within hours, Venkaya presented a tricolor, red for the Hindus, green for Muslims, and on Gandhi's suggestion, added a white stripe to represent all other communities.
02:10At its center lay the spinning wheel, or the Chakra, symbolizing self-reliance and progress.
02:17This Swaraj flag was then adopted informally at Congress gatherings from 1921 onwards.
02:25In 1931, the flag was refined.
02:28Stripes changed to saffron white and green, and the Chakra remained as its vibrant emblem, soon emerging as the flag of India's freedom moment.
02:38As India approached independence, Venkaya's vision paved the way.
02:44A committee under President Rajinder Prasad retained the Kala scheme but replaced the Chakra with the Ashoka Chakra, embodying law and righteousness.
02:54This final form was officially adopted on 22nd July 1947, just weeks ahead of Independence Day.
03:02Yet, despite his monumental role, Venkaya lived and died in obscurity.
03:07He died on 4th July 1963, largely unrecognized, with little to his name.
03:16Only years later, in 2009, did the Indian government issue a commemorative post-seed stamp in his honor.
03:24Statues and tributes followed, but often too late.
03:27Pingali Venkaya, a geologist, educator, agriculturist, linguist, and above all, a patriot, shaped not just a flag, but the voice of a nation in cloth.
03:42His unwavering vision reminds us, symbols matter, and the hands that craft them deserve our remembrance.
03:50The next time our tricolor flutters, let us honor the man who wore unity into its very fabric.
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