Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday unveiled the world’s second-largest khadi national flag at the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha, calling the Indian tricolour not just a khadi fabric but a symbol of the nation’s pride, dignity, and self-respect. According to the state government, this is the “second largest” khadi tricolour, with the biggest one reportedly displayed in Leh in 2021.
Addressing the crowd, Siddaramaiah recalled that the tricolour was adopted during the freedom movement. He explained that the three colours, saffron, white, and green, along with the Ashoka Chakra, represent national pride, sacrifice, peace, prosperity, and continuous progress, inspiring patriotism among citizens. He emphasised that white stands for peace and truth, green for prosperity, and the Ashoka Chakra for economic growth and equal opportunities. “We must respect the national flag and uphold patriotism,” he said, congratulating Legislative Assembly Speaker U T Khader and the family of Vinod Kumar Revappa Bammanna of Kamalapur in Kalaburagi district, who donated the flag.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the importance of remembering those who fought for the nation. He noted that Mahatma Gandhi had presided over a Congress session in Belagavi, which completes 100 years, and that a statue of Gandhi has been installed next to the Suvarna Soudha to mark the milestone.
Siddaramaiah stressed the need for unity, stating that love, not hatred, is essential to build an equitable, secular society in a country home to diverse castes and religions. He said that even after more than 75 years of Independence, there is a need to reflect on how far the nation has progressed in fostering fraternity, patriotism, and humanity. He urged students and youth to nurture these values and added that his government is ensuring that the Preamble of the Constitution, drafted by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, is read in schools and colleges.
