As the country waves flags and celebrates the 75th anniversary of India’s independence, it is also time to take stock. What did India’s founders and citizens dream of, how has India fared, what have been our challenges and successes?
The Wire’s reporters and contributors bring stories of the period, of the traumas but also the hopes of Indians, as seen in personal accounts, in culture, in the economy and in the sciences. How did the modern state of India come about, what does the flag represent? How did literature and cinema tackle the trauma of Partition?
Follow our coverage to get a rounded view of India@75.
Illustration: Pariplab Chakraborty
New Delhi: To commemorate 75 years of India’s independence, the Union government launched a ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign, encouraging all Indians to hoist the national flag outside their homes. But do the citizens of this country really need a reminder from the Union government of what the flag means and its importance?
In these photos, The Wire looks back at how the national flag has been used as a symbol for our rights and freedoms, alongside the constitution, in recent protests against government decisions and actions.
A car rally during the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign.
Flags and other tricolour memorabilia being sold against of August 15.
The flag in Shaheen Bagh, during the anti-CAA protests.
A protest at Jama Masjid against the CAA.
JNU students demanding the release of student leaders who were dubbed ‘anti-national’ by the ruling dispensation.
Children with the flag colours painted on their faces.
All photos by Shome Basu.