This is Sornambiga, student of Anna University, doing MSc with Electronic media as the major. Here, I would like to share some of my experiences in documentary shooting. So far I have shot 3 documentaries on various topics such as “Child beggars”, “conservation of Nature”, and “Thayin manikodi”. Amongst them the latter one deserves much of attention and worth sharing tooo, in my personal opinion. It is all about disrespect that is being paid to our Indian national flag by our own citizens. When Britishers insulted our honorable flag, we had many patriots raising against and they gave their precious lives for the sake of our national flag. But today we people are least bothered about the flag and its uniqueness.

This particular documentary took 2 years of research work for a 10 minutes output. The reason behind my effort in making a docu film on this topic is, I always hear people enjoying 15th of August and 26th of January as a Govt holiday. Even some schools avoid hoisting the flag on 15th of august and they do it on the previous day (pak’s Independence Day). So that they can enjoy the holiday watching cine stars interviews and block buster movies (noway related to our independence) on their TV from dawn to dusk. If this is gonna be the habitual practice of schools, then how will the next generation be aware of the importance and meaning of the hard earned freedom.

When this is the case with schools, we have some energetic politicians working the whole night (previous day of Independence Day) decorating the street corners with flags tying them all around. They would present themselves in neat white clothing and will sing the national song and hoist the flag, will distribute the sweets and the will disperse in no time. And neither the politicians nor the public cares to unhoist the flag before the sun sets. Nobody cares even if it is gonna be flying half mast. So I felt I should bring these things to the limelight. It is not to advice public but to make them realize the happenings around. The real celebration lies in respecting the flag.
You might ask one, how can one show their respect towards flag. On our way, we may come across some ignorant who wear the flag upside down.(I am sure that you will come across such people coz there are many a people still who don’t even know the colors in our national flag). Also, if we see some flag lying on ground, we shall go forward disposing them safely so that itz not stamped by any.... The documentary is widely acclaimed ... and had won personal comments & appreciation form Mr.Lenin, the present day editor in the film industry ....

Flag Code:On 26th January 2002, the flag code was changed. After 52 years, the citizens of India are free to fly the Indian flag over their homes, offices and factories on any day. Now Indians can proudly display the national flag any where and any time.There are some rules and regulations upon how to fly the flag, based on the 26 January 2002 legislation.

Things to flag in :

The Do's:1. The National Flag may be hoisted in educational institutions (schools, colleges, sports camps, scout camps, etc.) to inspire respect for the Flag. An oath of allegiance has been included in the flag hoisting in schools.2. A member of public, a private organization or an educational institution may hoist/display the National Flag on all days and occasions, ceremonial or otherwise consistent with the dignity and honour of the National Flag. 3. Section 2 of the new code accepts the right of all private citizens to fly the flag on their premises. The Don'ts:1. The flag cannot be used for communal gains, drapery, or clothes. As far as possible, it should be flown from sunrise to sunset, irrespective of the weather. 2. The flag cannot be intentionally allowed to touch the ground or the floor or trail in water. It cannot be draped over the hood, top, and sides or back of vehicles, trains, boats or aircraft. 3. No other flag or bunting can be placed higher than the flag. Also, no object, including flowers or garlands or emblems can be placed on or above the flag. The tricolour cannot be used as a festoon, rosette or bunting.

So ... letz flag this in mind .... ! be Indian.