The largest Indian flag was unfurled on Thursday at NTR Stadium here coinciding with the anniversary of India’s First War of Independence of 1857.
The flag, measuring 183 feet in length and 122 feet in breadth, was unfurled by Tollywood actor and Jana Sena party president Pawan Kalyan, at an event organised by Vibrants of Kalam, an organisation spreading the ideals and vision of former President Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam.
Mr. Kalyan pledged Jathiya Samaikyata (national unity) and paid rich tributes to all those who lost their lives in The Revolt of 1857. As a symbol of peace and independence, he released a white dove as well as tricolor balloons. Around 10,000 students from educational institutions were present at the event. It may be recalled that on June 2, 2016, the Telangana government unfurled a tricolour measuring 108 feet in length and 72 feet in breadth, on a flag post that’s around 290 feet high at Sanjeevaiah Park on the banks of Hussainsagar in the city, making it the largest tricolour to be hoisted. This was followed by a 107-feet tall Indian flag at Attari-Wagah border that was unfurled in April last year by Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju.
Women behind the flag
According to Philvex Hobby Society director B. Padmavathy, who coordinated the flag-making efforts, the tricolour was fastidiously stitched in Khammam by 20 women over a period of 20 days. “The material used is polyester. It is durable and was brought from Surat. The women who stitched the flag belong to the economically-backward sections of society. They have put in a lot of hard work and dedication to stitch the flag,” Ms. Padmavathy said.
So far, the society has stitched flags that can be seen fluttering at Sanjeevaiah Park, IICT, English and Foreign Languages University, and National Police Academy at Shivrampally here in the city, and the Gannavaram Airport in Vijayawada.
