Bengaluru Student Replaces Ashoka Chakra with State Map on Indian Flag, Sparks Outrage

Bengaluru Student Replaces Ashoka Chakra with State Map on Indian Flag: The flag decoration created for Republic Day celebrations at RVITM Engineering College in Bengaluru has started wide discussion on the internet. One design shared in a Reddit post shows the Indian tricolour with Karnataka's map replacing the Ashoka Chakra, sparking accusations of disrespect towards the national flag.

Several users criticised the design, with one commenting, “However, I feel wrong in this. You just replaced the Ashoka Chakra.” Another questioned the legality, saying, “Isn’t this defamation of the flag?”

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The controversy elicited a response from a cadet of National Cadet Corps from the college, in his third year, who took to the same platform to address concerns. He clarified that the flag decoration was part of a traditional annual activity that takes place during NCC Republic Day celebrations.

“This is a common activity conducted in the Republic Day Camp by DG NCC, as well as a tradition followed by most schools and colleges with NCC units. Competitions are conducted to judge the best flag area decorations, and designs often represent the respective state or directorate,” the cadet wrote.

The cadet explained that the design was not meant to denigrate national symbols or promote supremacy of the state. “The intention behind this decoration was not to show that Karnataka is supreme or any such things accused in the comments, but it was to represent us as a part of this beautiful nation.”

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The cadet further berated the original poster of the image, alleging the poster wanted to cause anger. “It seems that OP had an intention to rage-bait people, which seems to be working here, given the online hate speech against Karnataka, Kannadigas, and Bengaluru in general,” they said.

Highlighting the broader celebration, the cadet explained, “We hosted the Republic Day in a grand fashion today—complete with flag hoisting, cultural programs, and a patriotic song performed by the first-year cadets. The motto of NCC is Unity and Discipline... why would we want to divide instead?”

The post was supported by users sympathetic to the traditions of NCC, who agreed to have misinterpreted the work. Others remained critical, arguing that all creative expressions should respect the sanctity of national symbols.

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