Noida: The Armed Forces Flag Day or the Flag Day of India is a day dedicated to India towards collection of funds from people of India for the welfare of the Indian Armed Forces Personnel. It has been observed annually in India on December 7 since 1949.[1] Over the years, it has become a tradition to commemorate this day as an honour to the soldiers, sailors and airmen of India.
“Immediately after India achieved independence, a need arose for the government to manage the welfare of its defence personnel. On August 28, 1949, a committee set up under the defence minister decided to observe a Flag Day annually on December 7. The idea behind observing a Flag Day was to distribute small flags to the general population and in return collect donations. Flag Day gains more significance as it considers that it is the responsibility of the civilian population of India to take care of the families and dependents of the armed forces personnel who fight for the country,” informed Dr. Sandeep Marwah Chief Scout For India in a seminar addressing media students from all over India.
The Flag day is mainly observed to serve three basic purposes, rehabilitation of battle casualties, welfare of serving personnel and their families and resettlement and welfare of ex-servicemen and their families.
