Imphal (Manipur) : Marking a historic convergence of heritage and patriotism, the Flag Foundation of India (FFOI) Wednesday installed its 200th monumentalnational flag at the historic Kangla Fort in Imphal. The installation serves as the centre piece of a dual anniversary: 30 years since the landmark Delhi High Courtjudgment and 22 years since the Supreme Court of India recognized flying the National Flag as a protected fundamental freedom under Article 19(1)(a), subject to constitutionalguidelines.
The choice of Kangla Fort for the 200th installation is deeply symbolic, as Manipur attained its Statehood in 1972 on 21st Jan. As the ancient seat of Manipur’s monarchs and a spiritual heart for the Meitei identity, the Fort now hosts the Tricolour as a beacon ofnational unity. This installation ensures that the thousands of tourists and locals who visitthe site daily are met with a towering reminder of India’s shared democratic values.
Today’s celebrations honour the perseverance of Naveen Jindal, Founder andPresident of FFOI. Upon returning to India from the United States, Jindal challenged the then-restrictive Flag Code of India, which prohibited private citizens from flying the flag except on specific holidays. His decade-long legal crusade resulted in the Supreme Court’s historic January 23, 2004, ruling, which declared that flying the Tiranga with dignity is a form of “freedom of expression” under Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution.
“The Tricolour is a symbol of India’s success and unity. I have an emotionalconnection with the flag. Every morning while pinning the flag on my jacket, Iam reminded of my responsibility with a sense of dedication to the country.We want to ensure the Tiranga is not just a symbol for holidays, but a livinginspiration for the youth to uphold their rights and duties every single day,”said Naveen Jindal in a statement.
The FlFOI is utilising this milestone to advocate for January 23rd to be officially recognised as ‘National Flag Day.’
FFOI, founded by Naveen Jindal and Ms. Shallu Jindal, the Flag Foundation of India is a non-profit organisation dedicated to popularize the display of the Tiranga by more andmore Indians, with a great sense of pride. Through the installation of monumental flagsand nationwide awareness campaigns, FFOI seeks to foster a spirit of nationalism andpride among all Indian citizens.
