Nehru explains triumph of National Flag

"Moving the resolution for adoption of the new flag, Pandit Nehru said, “This resolution is in simple and slightly technical language and there is no glow or warmth in the words I have read. Yet, I am sure that many in this House will feel that glow and warmth which I feel at the present moment. Behind this resolution and the flag which I have the honour to present to this House for adoption lies history — the concentrated history of a short span in the nation’s existence, but nevertheless sometimes in a brief period we pass through the track of centuries…"

“They have gone into history, into tradition, and have added themselves on to that vast history and tradition which is our heritage in this country. So, when I move this resolution, I think of this concentrated history through which all of us have passed during the last quarter of a century, memories grow upon me. I remember the ups and downs of the great struggle for freedom of this great nation, I remember — and many in this House will remember — when we looked up to this flag not only with pride and enthusiasm but with a tingling in our veins. Also, when we were sometimes down and out, then again the sight of this flag gave us courage to go on (Cheers). And many who are not present here today and who have passed away, many of our comrades, to the last they held on to this flag and some amongst them even unto death, and handed it over as they sank, to other hands to hold aloft….

Dravidastan

(A letter to the editor which appeared in The Indian Express of July 21, 1947)

Sir, — I am glad to find that the demand for Dravidastan has attained enough prominence to be the topic of the prayer meeting of the Mahatma. He asks why the southern portion of India, where the people speak the four Dravidian languages of Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kanarese should be divided from the rest of India. The Mahatma talks and acts on inspiration and it would be profane to apply to them the tests of mundane logic. One fails to see the relevance of the Dravidian languages having grown richer by drawing on Sanskrit. One cannot take his lessons on eulogy from the Mahatma, but if the Aryan-Dravidian division is a myth, it is based on the greatest of myths, the Vedas and Smritis…

The Mahatma complains of the division of India. Let him consider if it is not the activities of the Congress from 1937 that made Mr. Jinnah and the Muslims demand Pakistan. If division was bad, why did he agree to the first division? Having agreed to it, did he not plan for and achieve the division of Bengal and the Punjab? If the N.W.F.P. with a population of 3 and a 1/2 millions can have an independent Sovereign State, why not Dravidastan with 50 millions?…