The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is planning to conserve our national flag that was hoisted at Fort St George on India’s first independence day August 15, 1947. The tricolour, which had been in ASI’s ‘reserve collection’ for years, was first put on public display at the Fort Museum in Chennai on January 26, 2013.
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The pure silk flag, measuring 12 feet by 8 feet, was hoisted after lowering the British Union Jack on August 15, 1947, at 5.05 AM at Fort St George. The historic event was witnessed by thousands of Indians.
It has taken a lot of effort to conserve the national flag. It has been put inside an airtight wooden-glass showcase. To prevent the flag from being affected by humidity, it has been surrounded by six bowls of silica gel. The gel helps absorb moisture at all times.
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A ‘lux metre’ is also used to make sure that there is optimum light both inside the hall where the showcase is kept as well as over it. Natural light is not allowed to fall over the case.
Furthermore, an appropriate temperature is ensured by round-the-clock air conditioning. Efforts are also made to prevent the flag from getting exposed to dust and dirt.
Needless to say, an effective security system has also been installed in place to keep the flag protected.
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