Surat Organization’s “Mission Tricolor”: Over 26,000 Damaged National Flags Collected Through “Tricolor Disposal Bins” After August 15

In Surat city, over the past few years, people have increasingly participated in the celebration of national festivals, especially with government campaigns like the Tricolor Yatra and Har Ghar Tiranga. As a result, tricolors are being displayed in large numbers at homes and business places. 

However, after the national festival concludes, there have been numerous complaints about the improper disposal of national flags. Instead of just lodging complaints, an organization in Surat has launched “Mission Tricolor” to ensure the respectful handling of the national flag. 

The initiative has installed 16 tricolor disposal bins across various areas of the city. To date, the organization has respectfully disposed of 9,500 national flags according to government regulations.

Preserving the Honor of the National Flag After Festivals

Maintaining the respect for the national flag after national festivals is the duty of every Indian. However, many people forget about the flag after the celebrations, leading to its deterioration. This lack of care results in the flag not being honored properly. 

Witnessing the neglected state of such damaged flags deeply moved Arpit Prajapati, who had previously considered joining the defense sector. Though he could not join the defense for personal reasons and is currently working in IT, his mindset remains similar to that of a defense professional. 

He, along with his friends, started a campaign to ensure the national flag is not dishonored and is treated with respect. Initially, the group began by collecting damaged national flags themselves and disposing of them according to the Flag Code of 2002.

Expansion of Flag Preservation Efforts: The Role of ‘Bee Foji’

The campaign to honor and properly maintain the national flag gained momentum as many people joined in, leading to the establishment of an organization called “Bee Foji.” With over 450 members trained, the organization has placed tricolor disposal bins at 14 locations across Surat, including areas like Amaroli, Kargil Chowk, and Dumas Road. 

Ankit Prajapati of the organization notes that while it is commendable that more people are participating directly in national festivals, the maintenance and respect for the flag after it has been displayed is still lacking. Following the celebrations on August 15th, efforts are now underway to collect and properly dispose of damaged flags.

Progress and Future Goals of Flag Preservation Efforts

So far, 26,000 national flags have been collected, with around 20,000 of them disposed of respectfully. This year alone, approximately 6,000 damaged flags have been collected, with more expected. 

These flags will be gathered and disposed of according to government regulations. In addition, efforts are being made to further instill a sense of respect for the national flag among the public.

Tricolor Disposal Bins Installed for Flag Respect

Surat’s “Bee Foji” has placed tricolor disposal bins at 14 locations across the city, including Kargil Chowk, Dumas Road, and Amaroli. 

These bins are intended for people who have displayed the national flag and need to dispose of it respectfully if it becomes damaged. Individuals who find damaged flags are urged not to discard them carelessly but to place them in these bins.