<h4>Introduction to Pingali Venkayya</h4><p><strong>Pingali Venkayya</strong> was a prominent freedom fighter and a devoted Gandhian. He is most famously known as the designer of the flag on which the current <strong>National Flag of India</strong> is based. His contributions to the national movement extended beyond flag design, reflecting a deep commitment to India's independence.</p><div class='info-box'><p><strong>Birth Anniversary:</strong> <strong>2nd August</strong></p><p><strong>Associated Movement:</strong> Indian Freedom Struggle</p><p><strong>Key Contribution:</strong> Designing the prototype of the Indian National Flag</p></div><h4>PM's Tribute and 'Har Ghar Tiranga' Movement</h4><p>On <strong>2nd August</strong>, the birth anniversary of <strong>Pingali Venkayya</strong>, the Prime Minister of India paid heartfelt tributes to him. This gesture highlights the nation's remembrance and respect for his pivotal role in India's history.</p><p>The Prime Minister also launched and urged citizens to participate in the <strong>'Har Ghar Tiranga' movement</strong>. This initiative encourages every household to unfurl the <strong>Tricolour</strong>, the Indian National Flag, between <strong>9th and 15th August, 2024</strong>, as part of Independence Day celebrations.</p><div class='exam-tip-box'><p><strong>UPSC Relevance:</strong> Questions on <strong>national symbols</strong>, <strong>freedom fighters</strong>, and their contributions are common in <strong>GS Paper I (History)</strong> and can also be linked to <strong>GS Paper II (Polity)</strong> for discussions on national identity and constitutional values.</p></div><h4>Evolution of the Indian National Flag</h4><p>The journey of the Indian National Flag is a testament to India's struggle for independence. Various designs were proposed and used before the final version was adopted. <strong>Pingali Venkayya's</strong> design was a significant milestone in this evolution.</p><ul><li><strong>1906:</strong> First unofficial flag, Calcutta Flag (Red, Yellow, Green stripes).</li><li><strong>1907:</strong> Madame Bhikaji Cama's flag at Stuttgart.</li><li><strong>1917:</strong> Home Rule Movement flag by Annie Besant and Lokmanya Tilak.</li><li><strong>1921:</strong> <strong>Pingali Venkayya</strong> presented a flag with two red and green bands representing Hindus and Muslims, with a spinning wheel. Gandhi suggested adding a white band for other communities and the nation's progress.</li><li><strong>1931:</strong> The Congress Committee adopted a flag with three bands (saffron, white, green) and a spinning wheel in the centre. This was a crucial step towards the current design.</li><li><strong>1947:</strong> The Constituent Assembly adopted the <strong>Tricolour</strong> with the <strong>Ashoka Chakra</strong> replacing the spinning wheel as the National Flag of independent India.</li></ul><div class='key-point-box'><p>The <strong>Ashoka Chakra</strong> represents the 'wheel of dharma' and symbolizes progress and continuous movement, replacing the spinning wheel which symbolized self-reliance and Swadeshi.</p></div>