Mandatory Disclosure

NATIONAL SYMBOLS – NATIONAL EMBLEM

National symbols are patriotic symbols representing nations and countries. Sometimes, symbols are used for cultural or ethnic groups that do not have their own country yet. They try to unite people or send a message by representing the national people, values, goals, or history. People often honor their nation, country, or group by celebrating their national symbol. National symbols of India depict the country’s image and have been chosen very carefully.

A national emblem is an official emblem or seal reserved for use by a nation-state as a symbol of that nation. Many nations have a seal or emblem in addition to a national flag and a coat of arms. Other national symbols such as national birds, trees, flowers, etc. are listed at the list of national symbols.
The Indian National Emblem has been adopted from the Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath. It consists of four lions, standing back-to-back, mounted on an abacus with a frieze carrying sculptures in high relief of an elephant, a galloping horse, a bull, and a lion separated by intervening wheels over a bell-shaped lotus. Carved out of a single block of polished sandstone, the capital is crowned by the Wheel of the Law (Dharma Chakra). This same Chakra can be found on the Indian National Flag.
The Government of India adopted the Lion Capital as the National Emblem on 26 January 1950. Only three lions are visible, the fourth being hidden from view being behind the lion which faces the viewer.
Forming an integral part of the emblem is the motto inscribed below the abacus in Devanagari script: Satyameva Jayate (Sanskrit: सत्यमेव जयते; lit. “Truth alone triumphs”). This is a quote from Mundaka Upanishad, the concluding part of the sacred Hindu Vedas.

By – Gunjan Khandekar
Primary Teacher