“The Indian National Flag is always 3:4 in size,” read our schoolmate during the last week’s Independence Day online celebrations. I never knew that little fact and the realization made me wonder whether other national identities of India had such lesser known facts. My research uncovered the following:
National Animal: No two tigers have the same stripes, just like human finger prints. Also, the population of Bengal Tiger (panthera tigers) has stabilized after The Tiger Project which was commenced in the 1970’s.
National Anthem: Our National Anthem – Jana Gana Mana was originally composed as ‘Bharoto Bhagyo Bidhata’ in Bengali by poet Rabindranath Tagore. It was translated into Hindi-Urdu by Captain Abid Hasan Safrani, and titled as ‘Subh Sukh Chain’. The English version ‘The Morning Song of India’ was penned by Tagore himself.
National Aquatic Animal: The Ganges Dolphin, unlike other cetaceans (whales, oceanic dolphins and porpoises) are unique as they can swim on their sides. They do so that they can dig up food with their pectoral fin trailing in the muddy river bottom.
National Bird: I was quite disappointed to know that Peacock being the national bird of India, comes under Schedule 1 section 2A of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Therefore, any person raising it as a pet/having possession of the bird can be arrested with a jail term of up to 7 years or around ₹60000 or both.
National Calendar: Our national calendar is based on the Saka Era, with Chaitra as its first month and a normal year of 365 days. Coincidentally, the dates of Saka Era and the Gregorian calendar correspond – 1st of Chaitra falls on 22nd March normally and on 21st March in leap year.
National Currency: The symbol ₹ was coined by combining the Devanagari consonant “र” (ra) and the Latin capital letter “R” and by using the Shiro Rekha (the horizontal line on the top on which the alphabets hangs) makes it distinct and unique.
National Emblem: The 24 spokes of the Ashoka Chakra are supposed to represent the 24 ideal qualities of a person which are: Ādhyātmikajñāna (Spiritual Knowledge), Akalkatā (Honesty), Amānitā (Humility), Anāditva (Eternity), Ānṛśaṃsya (Mercy), Anurāga (Love), Apekṣā (Hope), Apīḍana (Gentleness), Ātmāhavana (Self-Sacrifice), Ātmniyantranā (Self-Control), Chāya (Gracefulness), Dhairya (Patience), Dhārmikatva (Righteousness), Karuṇāveditā (Sympathy), Mahānubhāvatva (Magnanimity), Mahopekṣā (Forgiveness), Niḥsaṃga (Selflessness), Nyāyā (Justice), Parākrama (Courage), Praśastatva (Goodness), Prabhubhakti (Loyalty), Śānti (Peace), Satyavāditā (Truthfulness), and Śraddāna (Faith).
National Flag: The Ashoka Chakra which is in the middle the white strip of our National Flag is also called as the wheel of love as to promote harmony and peace among the large and diverse population that the country has.
National Flower: Lotus (Neumbo Nucipera Gaertn), the National Flower of India, is not only used for pooja but also its seeds, leaf, roots and leaf stalk of the Lotus are edible and they are consumed as vegetable in India.
National Fruit: Mango, affectionately called King of Fruits, is an abundant source of fiber, vitamins and minerals. They help keep the teeth and gums healthy, support collagen formation, and promote sharp vision. They are indeed a true powerhouse of nutrients.
National Holidays: I was surprised to learn that only 3 days – January 26th (Republic Day), August 15th (Independence Day) and October 2nd (Gandhi Jayanti) are declared as National Holidays by the Government of India. All other holidays are either called as Regional Holidays or Discretionary Holidays.
National Motto: The words “Satyameva Jayate” (meaning “Truth alone triumphs”) inscribed on our National Emblem (the replica of Ashoka’s pillar at Samath) is derived from Mundaka Upanishad!
National Pledge: The practice of reading the National Pledge in schools was introduced on Jan 26, 1965. The pledge ‘India is….’ is printed on all school textbooks to develop the nationalistic spirit in students. I am eagerly waiting to read it during the assembly at school upon re-opening.
National Song: The National Song of India "Vande Mataram" got into prominence after the first President of India, Rajendra Prasad stated that the song should be honored equally with the national anthem of India.
National Tree: Banyans are the world’s biggest trees and the biggest one alive today is in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh which spreads over 4.7 acres. This tree can shelter 20,000 people. I was glad to learn that the figs from Banyan trees feed many species of birds, fruit bats, primates and other creatures.
Friends, I trust you enjoyed reading and knowing the above lesser known facts about our National Symbols. Please do share with me such lesser known interesting facts.
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