National symbols of India create the entity of the whole nation, highlighting the pride and prestige. They represent the identifiable features that make it exclusive and support the nation to remain distinctive and unique from the rest of the world.
A list of national symbols of India has been provided as follows-
National Anthem
"Jana-Gana-Mana" was embraced as the national anthem of India by the Constituent Assembly on 24 January 1950. It is a beautiful song written by the legendary Rabindranath Tagore. It comprises of five beautiful stanzas. It was first sung on 27 December 1911 at the Calcutta Session of the Indian National Congress. It takes approximately fifty- two seconds to play the whole version of the national anthem. On special occasions, however, a brief version of 1st and last lines of the stanzas, which takes approximately 20 seconds, are hummed.
National Song
Vande Mataram, composed by Bankimchandra Chattopadhyay, in Sanskrit is the National Song of India and is a source of motivation. Vande Mataram provided inspiration to numerous freedom fighters in the Indian freedom struggle. In the 1896 session of the Indian National Congress, Vande Mataram was sung for the first time.
National Emblem
The replication of the Lion at Sarnath, near Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh is national emblem of India. It is considered to be one of the significant national symbols of India. The Lion Capital was raised up in the 3rd century BC. Emperor Ashoka built it to demarcate the place of the first proclamation of Buddhism among the people of Indian subcontinent. The national emblem symbolises modern-day India`s reassertion of its ancient allegiance to goodwill and grace of the whole of the humankind.
The four lions, one obscured from viewing, symbolise supremacy, valour and poise. It reposes on a spherical calculating machine, and four small animals encircle it. These animals are regarded as protectors of the "four directions". The lion is for the north, the elephant for the east and the horse for the south and the bull for the west. The "abacus" leans on a full-bloomed lotus flower, which exemplifies the source of life and innovative motivation. At the bottom of the emblem, the axiom "Satyameva Jayate" is carved out .It is written in Devanagari script, which stands for Truth Alone Triumphs.
National Animals
The Royal Bengal Tiger, the national animal, stands apart in respect of national symbols of India. Yellow colour, black -striped body, white belly makes this specie an epitome of authority and grandeur. To protect the tigers to lose in extension due to illegal hunting, The Government of India undertook Project Tiger program.
National bird is the Peacock. The magnificent display of its beautiful plume and tail with the gathering of clouds in the sky, heralds the arrival of rainy seasons. They prefer to live in the forests and near the water bodies. Peacocks are decreasing in numbers and thus peacock hunting is banned in the country.
National Tree and Flower
Banyan tree is the national tree, noted for its longevity and widely spread branches and strong branches. Lotus is the national flower. It carries the heritage of Indian tradition and is important one among other national symbols of India.
National Fruit
Mango is the national fruit. It is not only good in taste and also it has got nutritional values. It is a source of Vitamins A, C and D. In India there are more than hundred types of mangoes of various sizes, shapes and colours. Mangoes have been cultivated in India since ancient period. Various Indian legendary personalities mentioned about this fruit and its qualities. The great poet Kalidasa composed songs in its praise. Foreigners like Alexander; Hieun Tsang almost fell in love with this tasty fruit. Akbar implanted several mango trees in Darbhanga and it became popular as Lakhi Bagh.
National Flag
In the midst of widely acclaimed national symbols of India, National flag of India stands as the sign of independence and democracy. It is a horizontal tricolour equally proportioned with the three colours: deep saffron on the top, white in the middle and dark green at the bottom. The ratio of the width to the length of the flag is 2:3. A wheel in navy blue occupies the centerfield of the white banding. This wheel signifies the Dharma Chakra which means the wheel of law in the Lion Capital at Sarnath. The diameter is at par with the breadth of the white band and it has got twenty-four spokes. Colours stand for certain virtual qualities. The saffron represents bravery, sacrifice and the spirit of repudiation; the white, for innocence and truth; and the green for trust and richness.
National symbols of India inspire Nationalism in the citizens of India even in this modern age, not only by its characteristic features, but also its overall aura.
