THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

IMPHAL, JANUARY 21, 2026

In a powerful blend of history, constitutional values and national pride, the Flag Foundation of India (FFOI) on Wednesday marked a landmark moment by installing its 200th monumental National Flag at the iconic Kangla Fort in Imphal. The milestone installation stands as a living testament to India’s democratic journey and the enduring spirit of the Tiranga, symbolising unity across regions, cultures and generations.

The momentous occasion coincides with a dual anniversary of historic significance — 30 years since the Delhi High Court’s landmark judgment that questioned restrictive norms on the display of the National Flag, and 22 years since the Supreme Court of India’s seminal ruling on January 23, 2004, which recognised flying the Tricolour with dignity as a fundamental right under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution.

The choice of Kangla Fort as the site for the 200th installation carries profound symbolism. As the ancient seat of Manipur’s monarchs and the spiritual and cultural heart of the Meitei community, the fort today stands adorned with the Tricolour as a beacon of national unity. The installation also aligns with Manipur’s Statehood Day, commemorated on January 21, marking the state’s integration into the Indian Union in 1972. With thousands of visitors thronging the historic complex every day, the towering flag now greets citizens and tourists alike with a stirring reminder of India’s shared democratic ideals.

The celebrations also honoured the unwavering resolve of Naveen Jindal, Founder and President of the Flag Foundation of India, whose decade-long legal battle transformed the relationship between citizens and the National Flag. After returning to India from the United States, Jindal challenged the then-prevailing Flag Code of India, which restricted private citizens from flying the Tricolour except on designated days. His efforts culminated in the Supreme Court’s historic verdict in 2004, which affirmed that the right to fly the National Flag with respect is an expression of freedom of speech and expression.

Reflecting on his personal bond with the Tiranga, Jindal said that the Tricolour is not merely a symbol but a daily reminder of responsibility. He noted that wearing the flag each morning reinforces his dedication to the nation and his belief that the Tiranga should inspire young Indians every day, not just on national holidays.

Building on this historic milestone, the Flag Foundation of India has proposed that January 23 be officially recognised as ‘National Flag Day’, commemorating the Supreme Court judgment that reshaped India’s constitutional ethos. Through its “Right to Responsibility” initiative, the Foundation aims to deepen public engagement with the values embodied by the Tricolour, emphasising civic duty alongside constitutional rights.

The Foundation’s expanded mission focuses on making the Tiranga relevant to the aspirations of modern Indian youth, promoting environmentally responsible use and disposal of flags, and encouraging citizens to fly the National Flag throughout the year as a personal commitment to nation-building. The initiative calls upon Indians to move beyond the right to display the flag and embrace the responsibility of living by the principles it represents.

Founded by Naveen Jindal and Shallu Jindal, the Flag Foundation of India is a non-profit organisation dedicated to popularising the respectful display of the Tiranga across the country. Through monumental flag installations and nationwide awareness campaigns, the Foundation continues to foster a spirit of nationalism, pride and constitutional consciousness among citizens, ensuring that the Tricolour remains a living symbol of India’s democratic soul.