Page 108 - SST Class 04

Secularism

There are many religions in India. Any person is free to Know It!
follow the religion of his choice. On this ground, no
v Our national goals have been set
discrimination can take place. Secularism means that in the Preamble (introduction)
people of all religions are treated as equal, and there is to the Constitution of India.
no state religion.

National Symbols

India is our country and we are Indians. This is our identity. This identity is fostered
by certain national symbols. These national symbols cultivate in us the spirit of
patriotism. We must respect our national symbols. It is a punishable offence to
disrespect our national symbols.

National Flag

The Tricolour or Tiranga is our National Flag. It serves as the greatest mark of our
identity. It has three horizontal stripes : saffron at the top, white in the middle and
green at the bottom. It has a blue Chakra or wheel in the middle.

u Saffron colour represents valour and sacrifice.
u White colour represents honesty and peace.

u Green colour represents fertility and prosperity.

u The Chakra stands for continuity of work.

We can hoist and handle the National Flag according
to certain set rules, which are as follows :
u The National Flag must be respected in every situation.

u It should be hoisted on the highest part of the building.

u It should be hoisted from sunrise to sunset.

u In a procession, it should be carried on the right shoulder or in the front.

u A torn or faded flag must never be hoisted or carried in a procession.

National Anthem

The Jana-Gana-Mana is our National Anthem. It is sung in chorus. It inspires us to
serve our country. It was written by Rabindranath Tagore .

National Song

The Vande-Mataram is our National Song. It is equal in status with the National
Anthem. It was written by Bankim Chand Chatterjee .

108 Contemporary Social Science-4