NGO brings ‘Flag Man’ to spread awareness on Tiranga

Metro India News | Hyderabad

As India prepares to celebrate Independence Day with the Tricolour flying across streets, institutions and homes, a public-awareness initiative in Hyderabad is asking an important question: What happens to the Flag after the celebrations end? PR CommUNITY, a platform of public relations and corporate communications professionals, has invited West Bengal’s Priya Ranjan Sarkar, popularly known as the “Flag Man”, to Hyderabad to spread awareness about the proper display, handling, care and dignified disposal of the Indian National Flag.

Sarkar, a 39-year-old government contract employee from Bally in Howrah, has spent the past 14 years collecting abandoned and damaged National Flags. He says he has collected around one lakh discarded Tricolours, many found on roadsides, in drains and other public places after Independence Day and Republic Day celebrations. Sarkar, accompanied by his brother Ranabar and interpreter Saikat Banerjee, participated in the Hyderabad awareness program and interacted with the media.

He urged citizens to collect discarded flags instead of allowing them to remain on roads and public spaces. Around 50 volunteers, known as “Maa er Prerona”, support his efforts. As part of the initiative, PR CommUNITY representatives and Sarkar will also visit schools to educate students about responsible use of the Tricolour. Organizers said the objective is to make respect for the National Flag a habit rather than a once-a-year sentiment.

The campaign uses the message, “Celebration Ends. Respect Continues.” Placards displayed during the program urged citizens not to throw the Tiranga on the ground, but to collect it and ensure its dignified disposal.

The organizers are planning a larger full-day workshop around Republic Day, covering the history and significance of the National Flag, the Flag Code of India, proper display, dos and don’ts, and respectful disposal. The initiative draws on guidance from the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Flag Foundation of India. Organizers emphasized that patriotism should not end when the flag is lowered, but should continue through responsible and respectful treatment of the Tiranga.