and India green; with the Ashok Chakra, a 24-spoke wheel, in navy blue at its centre. It was adopted in its present form during a meeting of the Constituent Assembly
held on 22 July 1947, when it became the official flag of the Dominion of India
. The flag was subsequently retained as that of the Republic of India. In India, the term "tricolour
" almost always refers to the Indian national flag.
"The weakest numerically occupy the first place, the Islamic colour (green) comes next, the Hindu colour (red) comes last, the idea being that the strongest should act as a shield to the weakest."
;On significance:
"to represent the equality of the least of us with the best, an equal part is assigned to all the three colours in the design.
;On the Charkha|Charkha:
"The charka symbolizes energy," he wrote, "and reminds us that during the past eras of prosperity in India's history, hand spinning and other domestic crafts were prominent."
"It will be necessary for us Indians -- Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Jews, Parsis and all others to whom India is their home -- to recognise a common flag to live and die for."
" This flag is of Indian Independence. Behold, it is born. It is already sanctioned by the blood of martyred Indian youths. I call upon you gentlemen, to rise and salute this flag of Indian Independence. In the name of this flag, I appeal to lovers of freedom all over the world to cooperate with this flag in freeing one-fifth of the human race. "