National Identity

What is National Identity?

National identity refers to the person’s identity or sense of belonging to the nation.

National identity is the sense of a nation, which is not an inborn trait and is essentially socially constructed.

The different elements of national identity are:

National Flag

Every country has its flag. The national identity is related to it. Therefore, it is the symbol of national respect. The Indian flag is called a Tricolour because it has three colours.

• Saffron colour gives the message of sacrifice and renunciation.
• White colour is the symbol of peace and truth.
• The green colour is the symbol of greenery, prosperity and faith.

There is a blue coloured wheel in the mid-point of the white strip, in which there are twenty-four spokes. The wheel is a symbol of speed and development.

We should respect our flag in the following manner:

• Keep our flag neat and clean.
• We should not hoist the torn flag.
• We should not hang it upside down.
• The flag should not be used as clothing.
• No other flag should be put higher than our national flag.
• No symbol, sign, garland, flower, etc., should be placed on the flag.
• Disrespecting or insulting the national flag in any form is an offence.
• We should not use the flag prints on the uniform, handkerchief, napkins, pillow, tablecloth, bedsheet, etc.
• While hoisting the flag, make sure the saffron coloured strip is always on the top.
• After hoisting, the national flag should be taken down respectfully, folded properly and replaced safely.

National Bird

• Peacock is the national bird of India.
• Peacock is a beautiful and colourful bird.
• We should try to conserve our national bird.
• The peacock was acknowledged as the national bird of India in 1963.
• Killing the peacock is also a punishable offence.
• Peacocks have been given complete protection under the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
• The Government has prohibited hunting our national bird.
• Many other steps are also being taken to protect and save the national bird, the peacock.

National Animal

• Tiger is the national animal of India.
• Tiger is the symbol of courage and strength.
• It is also known for its grace and swiftness.
• Hunting the tiger is considered a crime.
• Tiger is also helpful in the conservation of the environment.
• A national animal is one of the emblematic representatives of a country’s natural wealth.
• To conserve the tiger, the Indian Government launched Project Tiger in 1973.
• The Government has prohibited hunting our national animal.
• Many other steps are also being taken to protect and save the national animal, the tiger.

National Flower

• Lotus is the national flower of India.
• The national flower of India is the icon of supreme veracity.
• The lotus is found in different colours – white, red, blue, pink, and purple.
• The lotus flourishes in freshwater lakes in semi-tropical climates.
• Lotus denotes wealth, mysticism, knowledge, productiveness and enlightenment. In India, it is considered a sign of triumph.
• The lotus flower maintains its beauty and piety and gives us happiness.

National Symbol

• The national emblem or national symbol of India is a representative seal of the Republic of India.
• Our country has one national emblem, and it has been taken from the pillar of Ashoka in Sarnath.
• There is a wheel with 24 spokes in its base strip.
• There are four lions in the national symbol of India, but only three are visible while looking from any side.
• There is a chiselled idol, an elephant in the east direction, a bull in the west, a lion in the north and a horse in the south direction.
• Our national symbol is put on government documents and currency in stamps.
• Wherever the national symbol is printed, the following lines are written: ‘Satyamev Jayate’, which means truth always prevails.

National Anthem

• Jana-Gana-Mana is our national anthem of India.
• It is sung on all special national occasions.
• Our national anthem is a symbol of national unity.
• Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore wrote the national anthem of India.
• We all should respect our national anthem by standing in attention while singing and listening to it.
• Our national anthem expresses respect for the rivers, provinces and people of our country.
• We are all proud of our national anthem, expressing national unity and tolerance.

National Song

• Vande Mataram is the national song of India.
• Bankim Chandra Chatterjee wrote the national song of India.
• On 24th January 1950, the Constituent Assembly of India adopted “Vande Mataram” as a national song.
• The national song of India, Vande Mataram, is considered the foundation of encouragement to the people in their struggle for freedom.

Our National Days or Festivals

• 15th August – Independence Day

Our country got independence on 15th August 1947. Before this, our country was ruled by the Britishers.

• 26th January – Republic Day

Republic Day is celebrated on 26th January. The Constitution of India came into effect on this day in the year 1950, declaring India a Republic.

• 2nd October – Gandhi Jayanti

Gandhi Jayanti is celebrated every year on 2nd October. It marks the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi.

Mahatma Gandhi was born on 2nd October 1869. Gandhiji is called Rashtrapita, Father of the Nation. He gained our freedom for India by following the path of non-violence.

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