Symbolism of colours and the Ashoka Chakra in Indian National Flag by S. Radhakrishnan

The Indian National Flag is a horizontal three coloured flag of deep saffron, white and dark green colours. Ashok Chakra, a 24 spoke wheel in navy blue colour is at its center. The ratio of the flag's width to its length is two to three. The Indian national flag is made of Khadi. (Made of cotton or silk)

Dr S. Radhakrishnan (India's first Vice President) explained the symbolism of colors and the Ashoka Chakra in Indian National Flag :

• The saffron colour denotes renunciation or disinterestedness. Our leaders must be indifferent to material gains and dedicate themselves to their work.
• The white in the center is light, the path of truth to guide our conduct.
• The green shows our relation to soil, our relation to the plant life here, on which all other life depends.
• The Ashoka Chakra in the centre of the white is the wheel of the law of dharma. Truth or satya, dharma or virtue ought to be the controlling principle of those who work under this flag.
• The wheel denotes motion. There is death in stagnation. There is life in movement. India should no more resist change, it must move and go forward. The wheel represents the dynamism of a peaceful change.