The Forgotten Story of the Man Who Designed India’s National Flag

Every year, as we proudly hoist the Tiranga, we celebrate India’s freedom. But few remember the man behind the design of this iconic symbol — Pingali Venkayya.

Born in 1876 in Andhra Pradesh, Pingali Venkayya was a freedom fighter, scholar, and linguist. Deeply moved by the Swadeshi movement, he believed India needed its own flag — a symbol of unity, struggle, and pride.

A Vision of the Nation

After years of research, Pingali submitted several flag designs to Mahatma Gandhi. In 1921, Gandhi approved a version designed by Pingali, which later evolved into the flag we know today — with saffron, white, and green bands and the Ashoka Chakra in the center.

“A nation without a flag is like a man without a soul,” Pingali once said.

Despite his historic contribution, Pingali Venkayya died in poverty in 1963, with little recognition.

Today, as the Tricolour flutters high, it's time to remember the visionary who gave India its identity through a flag — a symbol that inspires 1.4 billion hearts.