Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Friday urged the Centre to confer the Bharat Ratna upon Pingali Venkaiah who designed the National Flag, posthumously.
Pingali Venkayya (1876-1963) was a freedom fighter and staunch Gandhian who designed the national flag which was approved by the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. He was born in Bhatlapenumarru, near Machilipatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
“Deeply influenced by Gandhian thoughts and ideology, Venkaiah decided to dedicate his life to the service of the nation and take part in the freedom movement,” said Jagan.
According to the Chief Minister, Venkaiah witnessed the effect of the common national flag on the mind and psyche of people and decided to undertake a scientific study of multiple flags from around the world.
Jagan said his study went on to sharpen his acumen in designing India’s national flag and enabled him to publish a booklet named ‘A National Flag for India’ which depicted various flags of countries and doled out his ideas for one Indian national flag.
Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy paid a visit to the daughter of Venkayyam Ghantasala Sitamahalakshmi, at her residence in Macharla (Guntur) a couple of days ago and honoured her. He had also announced a financial support of ₹75 lakh to her.
While appreciating Modi’s decision to hold ‘Azadi ki Amrut Mahotsav’ programme, Jagan recalled that during the first meeting of the national committee on March 8, ‘Har Ghar Jhanda’ (flag in every household) was selected as one of the key themes for the celebration.
