Every State has its own culture, tradition and beliefs that forms a strong identity of that state. Most states have their own state animals, birds, trees and more. Elephant is the state animal of Kerala and Karnataka, whereas Tiger is our national animal.
Will having state animals and trees, do any harm to the status of national animal or national tree? Everything that a state associate and give special status strengthen the state identity. After all, we Indians proudly proclaim, “Unity in Diversity” and fails to understand that diversity is essential to maintain the Unity!
I am presently living in Bangalore and it is a common sight to see flagpoles with the banner flying proudly on streets of Karnataka. The flag has assimilated not only to the culture but also in the blood of Kannadigas!
On March 08, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah unveiled the state flag, calling the move a historic decision keeping in mind the history of the state and promote cultural identity. This was the start of present flag row. But this was not the first. This Kannada flag has been held with high respect by many leaders like APJ Abdul Kalam, BJP leader BS Yeddyurappa etc.
Official Flag of Karnataka
Is it legal?
The Flag Code of India, 2002 doesn’t prohibit any state to have its own flag or permits to have separate flags for states with the exception of Jammu and Kashmir.
Flag of Jammu & Kashmir
History
Karnataka has a long history for the love of flag. Karnataka had an unofficial "Kannada flag" since the 1960s. This flag is popular with the local people and many Kannada activists uses the flag as a symbol for their activism. The flag was first conceived by Ma Ramamurthy, a Bangalore-based journalist and social activist. He later used the flag for the political party called "Kannada Paksha" which he founded in 1965.
Kannada Paksha flag
The flag was not used during national ceremonies like Republic Day or Independence Day, but people hoist it across the state on 1 November every year to celebrate Karnataka Rajyotsava (the formation of the State).
The kingdom of Mysore, later renamed as Mysore state (1950) after India got its independence, also had a similar flag. In 1974, Mysore State was renamed Karnataka State. Until this point, the flag Mysore remained the state's flag, official until 1956, and de-facto thereafter, until 1974, alongside the bi-coloured Kannada Paksha flag.
Mysore Royal Flag
With the state's renaming, pro-Kannada movements throughout Karnataka gained pace, during when the yellow-red coloured Kannada flag became more prevalent. After the state's renaming, this flag was gradually decommissioned but still remains the official flag of the Mysore Royal Family.
Conclusion
Having a separate flag for the state won’t impact their respect for the country. It will make their love for country even more by creating a strong identity of culture and values. Flag is a symbol of collective aspirations and feelings of people. It symbolizes power and respect. Never forget the fact that our country is a collection of various cultures, languages, beliefs and aspirations. The strength of our country lies in its diversity!
Will having state animals and trees, do any harm to the status of national animal or national tree? Everything that a state associate and give special status strengthen the state identity. After all, we Indians proudly proclaim, “Unity in Diversity” and fails to understand that diversity is essential to maintain the Unity!
I am presently living in Bangalore and it is a common sight to see flagpoles with the banner flying proudly on streets of Karnataka. The flag has assimilated not only to the culture but also in the blood of Kannadigas!
On March 08, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah unveiled the state flag, calling the move a historic decision keeping in mind the history of the state and promote cultural identity. This was the start of present flag row. But this was not the first. This Kannada flag has been held with high respect by many leaders like APJ Abdul Kalam, BJP leader BS Yeddyurappa etc.
The colours that the flag represents the culture, value and identity of Kannadigas. Yellow represents wealth and celebration, white represents peace and stability, red represents valor and pride.
Official Flag of Karnataka
Is it legal?
The Flag Code of India, 2002 doesn’t prohibit any state to have its own flag or permits to have separate flags for states with the exception of Jammu and Kashmir.
Flag of Jammu & Kashmir
History
Karnataka has a long history for the love of flag. Karnataka had an unofficial "Kannada flag" since the 1960s. This flag is popular with the local people and many Kannada activists uses the flag as a symbol for their activism. The flag was first conceived by Ma Ramamurthy, a Bangalore-based journalist and social activist. He later used the flag for the political party called "Kannada Paksha" which he founded in 1965.
Kannada Paksha flag
The flag was not used during national ceremonies like Republic Day or Independence Day, but people hoist it across the state on 1 November every year to celebrate Karnataka Rajyotsava (the formation of the State).
The kingdom of Mysore, later renamed as Mysore state (1950) after India got its independence, also had a similar flag. In 1974, Mysore State was renamed Karnataka State. Until this point, the flag Mysore remained the state's flag, official until 1956, and de-facto thereafter, until 1974, alongside the bi-coloured Kannada Paksha flag.
Mysore Royal Flag
With the state's renaming, pro-Kannada movements throughout Karnataka gained pace, during when the yellow-red coloured Kannada flag became more prevalent. After the state's renaming, this flag was gradually decommissioned but still remains the official flag of the Mysore Royal Family.
Conclusion
Having a separate flag for the state won’t impact their respect for the country. It will make their love for country even more by creating a strong identity of culture and values. Flag is a symbol of collective aspirations and feelings of people. It symbolizes power and respect. Never forget the fact that our country is a collection of various cultures, languages, beliefs and aspirations. The strength of our country lies in its diversity!
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