AUGUST 15– WE CELEBRATE OUR 61ST INDEPENDENCE DAY AND STILL I FOUND DISRESPECT BEING MADE TO OUR NATIONAL FLAG AND NATIONAL ANTHEM. THERE ARE PROCEDURES TO BE FOLLOWED WHILE SINGING NATIONAL ANTHEM AND HOISTING OUR NATIONAL FLAG.

Every individual is taught as to how to respect the country’s NATIONAL ANTHEM. The basic method of respecting the National Anthem is taught from the school level. But, many people either forget it safely OR start giving a new look to the basic method of respecting the National Anthem.

First, one should stand at attention, keeping both the hands along the body as also the legs side-by-side, while standing. Keeping the chest forward, looking straight to hold the head straight. The eyes cannot be closed. The National flag should be hoisted at the top of the post, with the tricolour in its’ correct format. i.e. Saffron at the top, white at the middle and the green below and the Ashoka Chakra occupying the centre of the flag (i.e. on the white space). The National flag should not be with any other colours.

In these modern days, the Cell phones/Pagers have to be switched-off or kept in silent mode so that the sounds from these electronic instruments neither disturb the self nor other people around us.

A few minutes of silent attention to the National Anthem is a must. Singing of National Anthem by self in tune with others is very important.

Keeping the hands inside the pant pockets, looking at others and speaking to them with the eye language, murmuring, smiling, showing other signs, etc. must be avoided strictly.

After completion of the National Anthem, many people do not salute the National Flag, which is a wrong move. Instead of keeping folded hands or the hand at the heart, etc. one should salute the National Flag. The National Anthem is sung, after hoisting the National Flag and after the end of a programme only.

http://kvpeswaran.sulekha.com/blog/post/2008/07/honouring-national-flag-and-national-anthem.htm