Chennai Tricolor Initiative

A citizens’ initiative to install a monumental flag in Chennai.

CricketFor a vast majority of the population, it seems that supporting the

cricket team when they play against Pakistan is the (only) patriotic thing we do.

Scenario

Chennai FloodsThe floods wrecked havoc in the city. But the one thing that surfaced is the incredible sense of one-ness and humanity.

But as the floods retreated, and so did that sense. What would it take to keep that sense of one-ness, greater outlook and

perspective going?

Scenario

The NeedMore than half of the population of this country (and by extension

city) are below the age of 25. Patriotism seems to be an alien concept. Dangerously nationalism

and patriotism are being used interchange-ably.We cannot move forward, unless there is a single unifying

cause that binds us all together.

Scenario

What if we could unite this city, under a symbol that resonates with all of us – beyond our political party biases, culture, language, caste or ice cream flavour preferences?

What if we could have this symbol in a place that is publicly accessible, and as part of the city infrastructure?

And what if, this symbol is owned and adopted by the citizens of this city – rather than yet another government monument that gets erected?

Background

The Symbol

Unlike Nationalism, patriotism cannot be forced on anyone. It is not words, but the meaning behind it. And everyone has their own interpretation – and the right to it.

The National flag is the only symbol, which signifies the virtues, and sets the vision, without anyone’s agenda behind it.

To erect a 207 foot Monumental National Flag in a publicly accessible place in Chennai (Marina Beach)

Have the cost of the flag crowdfunded – anyone can pitch in, and as little as Rs. 10. It becomes a flag of the people representing the spirit of Chennai.

To get the necessary approvals from the government and also their support in terms of ongoing maintenance of the flag.

The Plan

100% Volunteer – run.

Non- Profit Initiative (we have setup a Charitable Trust to handle the finances)

We are all people who live in the city and love this city and are

involved to make life in this city more inclusive, and better – to give people the sense of belonging of the great nation we are part of.

We do not have any affiliations with political parties or figures.

Who are we?

There are many cities in India that are getting monumental flags, but they are all government or corporate installations. This would be one of the tallest flags in India (same size as the one in Delhi), which would be owned by the people.

What’s unique about this initiative?

Proposed Site – Marina Beach, Chennai

1. Sign the petition: http://www.bit.ly/chennaitricolor - we are collating signatures and support from the public. This also becomes a way for us to build awareness with the public that there is an initiative like this.

2. Volunteer – There is a team of volunteers who are doing the work behind the scenes be it with getting the word out, engaging citizens and talking to government officials. If you can help in anyway, please do.

3. Contribute – we should be kickstarting the crowdfunding campaign in the second week of June. Please contribute.

How can you support?

Height of Flag pole : 207 Feet

Size of Flag : 90 ft x 60 feet

Cost of Flag (by Flag Foundation of India) : 40 Lakhs

Maintenance Cost per month thereafter : 50 – 80K INR

Tentative Dates: August 15th, 2016

Key Information

If you’d like more information about this initiative, please visit our website at www.chennaitricolor.in

We also have an FAQ section that covers some of the frequently asked questions.

More Information

751+ Signatures on the Petition (501 Online, 250 offline)

17 Volunteers

Featured in :

So far …

as of 30th May 2016

Contact:

Email: chennaitricolor@gmail.comWebsite: www.chennaitricolor.inTwitter: @chennaitricolor

Thank you