IISER Berhampur unfurls 108-ft monumental Tricolour, igniting patriotic spirit on campus

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, NOVEMBER 18, 2025

In a stirring celebration of national pride and collective identity, the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Berhampur, inaugurated a spectacular 108-ft monumental national flag on its campus, marking a historic first among all seven IISERs across the country. Installed by the Flag Foundation of India, the towering flagpole became the centre of admiration as a grand 36 ft × 24 ft National Flag was unfurled, drawing cheers and applause from hundreds of students, faculty members, and staff who gathered for the occasion.

The monument was formally inaugurated by Prof. Ashok Kumar Ganguli, Director of IISER Berhampur, in the presence of distinguished guests including Prashant Kumar Hota, President & Group Head (CSR & Education), Jindal Steel; Maj Gen Ashim Kohli (Retd), CEO of the Flag Foundation of India; and Pradeep Kumar Ray, Registrar of IISER Berhampur. The ceremony showcased a vibrant fusion of patriotic emotion and institutional pride, as the Tricolour soared high against the morning sky.

Addressing the spirited gathering, Prof. Ganguli described the installation as a moment of profound significance for the institution. He remarked that the monumental flag would stand as a symbol of inspiration for students, researchers, and faculty members alike, reminding them of their shared responsibility in furthering India’s scientific progress. He expressed deep gratitude to Naveen Jindal, MP (Lok Sabha), and the Flag Foundation of India for enabling this iconic addition to the campus landscape.

In his statement on the occasion, Naveen Jindal, President of the Flag Foundation of India, lauded IISER Berhampur for its contributions to advancing scientific research in the nation. He said that the presence of the towering Tiranga would instil a renewed spirit of patriotism among students and motivate them to pursue scientific breakthroughs aimed at elevating the quality of life for citizens and strengthening the nation’s development journey.

Prashant Kumar Hota highlighted Jindal’s unwavering dedication to upholding the dignity of the National Flag. He recalled Jindal’s decade-long legal battle — initiated at the age of just 24 — which eventually secured every Indian citizen’s right to fly the Tricolour with pride. He noted that this landmark victory continues to inspire young Indians to believe in the transformative power of conviction and courage as they contribute to the nation.

Maj Gen Ashim Kohli (Retd) emphasised that the National Flag embodies the nation’s unity, spirit, and collective strength. He stated that the Flag Foundation was honoured to support the initiative at IISER Berhampur, adding that the sight of the Tricolour soaring majestically above the campus would inspire generations of students to serve the nation with dedication and purpose.

The event was coordinated by Jagannath Patro, Superintending Engineer; Sanjay Majhi, Senior Executive Engineer; and senior officials of IISER Berhampur.

As the monumental flag ascended the 108-ft pole, the atmosphere was charged with emotion, pride, and reverence, encapsulating a defining moment in the institution’s history and reaffirming the timeless significance of the Tricolour in national life.