The Armed Forces Flag Day or the
Flag Day of India is a day dedicated to India towards collection of funds from
people of India for the welfare of the Indian Armed Forces personnel. It has
been observed annually in India on December 7 since 1949. Over the years, it
has become a tradition to commemorate this day as an honour to the soldiers,
sailors and airmen of India.
History
Immediately after India achieved
independence, a need arose for the government to manage the welfare of its
defence personnel. On August 28, 1949, a committee set up under the defence
minister decided to observe a Flag Day annually on December 7. The idea behind
observing a Flag Day was to distribute small flags to the general population
and in return collect donations. Flag Day gains more significance as it
considers that it is the responsibility of the civilian population of India to
take care of the families and dependents of the armed forces personnel who
fight for the country.
Significance and purpose
The Flag day is mainly observed to
serve three basic purposes
- Rehabilitation of battle casualties
- Welfare of serving personnel and their families
- Resettlement and welfare of ex-servicemen and their families.
Observance
It is a time for Indians to
express its gratitude and appreciation to the current and veteran military
personnel of India and to acknowledge those who died in service to the country.
On the Flag Day all three branches of the Indian armed forces, the Indian Army, the Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy, arrange a variety of shows, carnivals, dramas and other entertainment programmes to showcase to the general public the efforts of their personnel to ensure national security. Throughout the country small flags and car flags in red, deep blue and light blue colours representing the three Services are distributed in return for donations.