The History Of Flags

The Principal invited the Chief Guest to hoist the National Flag.

The Chief Guest Dr. Ranganath Tripathy hoisted the National Flag and sung the National Anthem. Ammu was there to decorate the school and organise the Independence Day program. Everybody exchanged greetings.

The school captain invited the chief guest to deliver the Independence Day speech. Dr. Tripathy was very humble in his appearance. After making some impressive introductory remarks about the school, he started his speech talking about the Tricolour flag.

“Dear children, we just saluted our National Flag. Every country has its official flag. Even before national flags came to be used, there were flags of various kinds. Don’t you think it would be interesting to talk a little bit about the history of flags? What do you feel?” the speaker asked the students.

“Yes sir... we would like to hear it. Please tell us...,” students enthusiastically responded.

“Ok, then we’ll sit in a circle and discuss; so that you can ask doubts if any,” he said.

Soon the students formed a big circle and sat. Dr. Tripathy too sat with them. He adjusted his specs which frequently slipped down on his nose. It seemed he enjoyed the company of these vivacious young children.

“Dear friends,” he addressed them warmly, “Flags have been used since ancient times. When man started to live in groups, he began to use such signs and symbols. Some kind of carved figures and stamps were made to ensure a group’s identity. Later such signs became symbols of authority and positions. Such imprinted signs have a name. Can anybody guess that? ”

The speaker paused for an answer. Students looked at each other, but nobody could guess the exact word.