The Flag That Flew Before Freedom

When we celebrate Independence Day, we imagine the first flag going up on August 15, 1947. But my history teacher told me something surprising: a brave flag had already flown 24 years before that!

It was 1923 in Nagpur. The British had banned Indians from hoisting the national flag in public, as it would encourage people to fight for freedom. But a group of young men and women decided, "If the flag can’t fly, neither can our hope!"

One early morning, freedom fighter Keshavrao Hedgewar and his friends carried the flag to a busy square. Hundreds of people gathered quietly. Suddenly, they raised the tricolor high on the pole. The crowd cheered, "Vande Mataram!"

The British police rushed in, pulled down the flag, and arrested the leaders. But something amazing happened: another group came forward with another flag. They raised it again! This happened not once, not twice, but eight times in one day. Every time the British pulled it down, someone else stepped up.

By evening, the British gave up and left the square. The tricolor fluttered proudly all night, reminding everyone that India’s spirit couldn’t be crushed.

When I see the flag on Independence Day now, I remember that it’s not just cloth and colors. It’s courage stitched with hope.

Moral: True freedom comes when no one can take away your spirit.