National Symbols of India
India is the seventh largest country, biggest democracy, secular and second most populous country of the world.
One of the five BRICS nation, India is one of the fastest growing country of the world and various symbols mark the pride of India and its representation in the world.
National Flag of India
Adopted on 22nd July 1947, National Flag of India is horizontal rectangular in shape with three colors deep saffron at the top, white in the middle with Ashok Chakra and dark green at the bottom in equal proposition. It is made of Khadi and governed by Flag Code of India.
The deep saffron color at the top indicate strength and courage of the country, the white color in the middle indicate peace, Ashok Chakra indicates truth and the green color at the bottom shows fertility, growth and auspiciousness of the land.
National Emblem of India
The National Emblem of India was adopted by Government of India on 26 January 1950, first Republic day of India. The National Emblem has been adopted from Sarnath Lion Capital of Ashoka. The emblem is part of all official letterhead of India as well as is present on all Indian currency notes.
The National Emblem is formed of four lions of which only three are visible and one is hidden on the back, the Emblem rests on abacus carrying sculptures of Elephant, horse, lion and bull separated by intervening wheels. Below the abacus are inscribed in Devanagari script the words "Satyamev Jayate" meaning "Truth Alone Triumphs".
Father of the Nation
Mahatma Gandhi, the symbol of truth, peace and non-violence in the world is the father of the nation. The photo of Mahtma Gandhi can be found in almost all government offices of the country as well as all currency notes.
In the world today with massive nuclear weapons and war at every stage of life, the life and story of Mahatma Gandhi inspires entire world and acts as source of inspiration to the lost and wandered.
In the words of great Albert Einstein for the Mahatma: “Generations to come will scarce believe that such a one as this ever in flesh and blood walked upon this earth.”
National Anthem of India
"Jana Gana Mana" is the National Anthem of India. It was composed by Bharat Ratna and Noble Laureate Rabindranath Tagore.
It is read as:
Jana gaṇa mana adhināyaka jaya he
Bhārata bhāgya vidhātā
Pañjāba Sindhu Gujarāṭa Marāṭhā
Drāviḍa Utkala Vaṅga
Vindhya Himāchala Yamunā Gaṅgā
Ucchala jaladhi taraṅga
Tav śubha nāme jāge
Tav śubha āśiṣa māge
Gāhe taba jaya gāthā
Jana gaṇa maṅgala dāyaka jaya he
Bhārata bhāgya vidhāta
Jaya he, jaya he, jaya he
Jaya jaya jaya, jaya he!
National River of India
The river Ganga or Ganges is the National river of India. It is the longest river of India and originates from the mountains of Himalaya.
It is considered to be the most holy river in Hinduism and is also lifeline for millions of Indians.
National Flower of India
Lotus (Nelumbo Nucipera Gaertn) is the National Flower of India. Lotus occupies sacred and unique position in art and mythology of India.
National Animal of India
The magnificent Panthera tigris (Tiger), the largest among the cat species is the National Animal of India. Panthera tigris is selected National Animal of the country for its grace, strength, agility and enormous power.
National Bird of India
Pavo cristatus (Indian Peacock) is the national bird of India. It is a beautiful, colorful, swan-sized bird with slender neck and gorgeous feathers. It was designated as National bird of India in 1963 for its elegance, uniqueness and beauty.
National Fruit of India
Mango (Mangifera Indica) is the national fruit of India. Mango is a fleshy fruit and eaten ripe. It has been cultivated and eaten in India since time immerorial
Currency Symbol
The Indian Rupee Symbol was selected through competition at all India level by Ministry of Finance in 2009 and adopted by the government on 15th July, 2010. The symbol was designed by D Udaya Kumar, IIT Bombay alumni.
The symbol of Rupee is amalgam Devanagari "Ra" and Roman capital "R" with two horizontal stripes at top representing national flag and "equal to" sign.
The symbol of the Rupee is only the fifth currency in the world to have its distinct identity after US Dollar, British Pound-Sterling, Euro and Japanese Yen.
National Calender of India
The national calendar of India is based on Saka era which has Chaitra as its first month. 1 Chaitra falls on March 22 on normal years and March 21 on leap year.
National Song of India
Vande Mataram is the national song of India. It was composed in Sanskrit by Bankimchandra Chatterji.
Vande Mataram
Vande Mataram!
Sujalam, suphalam, malayaja shitalam,
Shasyashyamalam, Mataram!
Vande Mataram!
Shubhrajyotsna pulakitayaminim,
Phullakusumita drumadala shobhinim,
Suhasinim sumadhura bhashinim,
Sukhadam varadam, Mataram!
Vande Mataram, Vande Mataram!
National Game of India
Hockey has received the honor of becoming the National game of India.
India has achieved many milestones in Hockey including winning of six successive Olympic Gold medals in the game.
National Aquatic animal of India
River Dolphin is the national aquatic animal of India.
National Tree of India
Indian Fig tree (Ficus bengalensis) is the National Tree of India. It is a special tree whose branches root themselves to the ground which in turn give rise more trunk and branches.
National Heritage Animal of India
On October 22, 2010 Government of India on recommendation from task force on Elephant project declared Elephant as the National Heritage Animal of India with the aim to step up the measure for protection of Elephants.