SOCIAL STUDIES

STD – III

L-12 NATIONAL SYMBOLS

INTRODUCTION

When India became independent, we chose certain symbols for our country which bind us together in a common bond. These symbols are the national identity of our country. They give us a sense of pride and patriotism and also remind us of the greatness of our country.

NATIONAL FLAG

Our Tricolour, the national flag has three horizontal bands - the saffron at the top, white in the middle and green at the bottom. The white stripe in the middle has a navy blue wheel with twenty- four spokes. It is called the Ashoka Chakra or Dharma Chakra.

The flag's length - width ratio is 3:2.

Saffron colour stands for country's strength and courage.

The white middle band stands for peace and AshokaChakra stands for truth or Dharma.

The green band stands for prosperity.

NATIONAL ANTHEM

Jana- Gana-Mana , our national anthem was written by Rabindranath Tagore.

It is sung on

Independence Day,

Republic Day and all

important occasions.

NATIONAL SONG

Our National Song, Vande Mataram, was composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee in Sanskrit. It was a source of inspiration for

people in their fight for

independence. It is the

symbol of our unity.

The first time it was sung at

the session of the Indian

National Congress in 1896.

NATIONAL EMBLEM

Our national emblem has four lions facing the four directions. However, we can see only three lions at a time.

The base of the emblem has a dharma chakra in the middle. To the right of the chakra in the middle. To the right of this chakra is a bull and to the left is a horse. The words 'Satyameva Jayate' are inscribed below the wheel.

Our national emblem

has been taken from a

pillar erected by

Emperor Ashoka at

Sarnath near Varanasi.

NATIONAL ANIMAL

The Royal Bengal Tiger is our national animal. It stands for strength, bravery and power.

NATIONAL BIRD

Our national bird is the peacock. This bird has an important place in our art and culture.

NATIONAL FLOWER

Lotus is the national flower of India. It is a sacred flower and has a special place in the Indian culture. It is considered as an auspicious symbol.

NATIONAL FESTIVALS

Our national festivals are Independence Day, Republic Day and Gandhi Jayanti.

These festivals are celebrated all over the country by all Indians. These festivals are also observed as national holidays.

NATIONAL GAME

Though cricket is the most popular sport in India,hockey is our national game. India has won eightolympic gold medals in hockey.

INDIAN CURRENCY

The Indian Rupee, also known as rupaiya is our currency. A new symbol for

the Rupee has recently been

designed by D. Udaya Kumar.

This new symbol is now used

for all trade and commerce.

Our national symbols are

symbols of our unity. By

showing our respect for these symbols we show our love and respect for our country.

WORKSHEET - 1

FILL IN THE BLANKS:

1. The saffron colour at the top of our national flag

stands for strength and courage.

2. Our national anthem is written by Rabindranath

Tagore .

3. Our national emblem has four lions.

4. Our national animal is tiger .

5. Our national flower is lotus.

Answer the following:

1. What are the colours of our national flag?

Ans. Saffron, white and green are the colours of

our national flag.

2. Who wrote our national anthem?

Ans. Rabindranath Tagore wrote our national

anthem.

3. How do we show respect to our national

anthem?

Ans. We should stand in attention without talking

or moving, when our national anthem is sung.

4. From where has our national emblem been

taken.

Ans. Our national emblem has been taken from a

pillar erected by Emperor Ashoka at Sarnath

near Varanasi.