National Emblem of India - An Ashokan pillar at Sarnath near Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh depicts four lions on the top

standing back to back. Its base has an

elephant, a horse, a bull and a lion separated by intervening wheels over a bell-shaped lotus and a Dharma Chakra or the Wheel of Law carved on it. This symbol
was adopted as the National Emblem of India by the Indian Government on 26th January 1950. The two-dimensional picture of this emblem has become the
official symbol of the government now that only shows three of the four lions and the base having the Dharma Chakra in the center and a bull and horse on either
side and an engraved phase that reads 'Satyameva Jayate' in the Devanagari script. The phrase is translated to mean 'Truth alone triumphs'.

Ashoka was a great Mauryan King who was known far and wide for converting to Buddhism after seeing the after effects of the war imposed by him on the small
states surrounding him, especially on Kalinga. He was said to be full of remorse seeing the ill effects his ambition had brought on the soldiers and families from
both the sides. His emblem has now become the official seal of the President of India and Central and State Governments of the Indian union. Ashoka erected the
Lion Capital in the 3rd century BC to mark the spot where Buddha first proclaimed his gospel of peace. Now, it is symbolic of India's commitment to world peace
and goodwill. The three lions visible in the emblem symbolize power, courage and confidence. This State emblem is used only for official purposes and commands
utmost respect and loyalty.

National Flower of India - Lotus - The glory of being the National Flower of India goes to 'Lotus' or the water lily, an aquatic plant of Nymphaea family. The big
attractive pink flowers have symmetrically arranged petals and broad floating that impart the sense of serenity and beauty. They are considered quite sacred by the
Hindus, a major section of the Indian population and are thus have many legends, religious mythology and folklores surrounding them. It is said to represent long
life, honor, good fortune and triumph. Lotus can live both in fresh shallow waters and in muddy swamps and can re-germinate for thousands of years symbolizing
survival and purity of heart, mind and soul in all conditions.

Lotus is often depicted as the seat of Gods and is often used by worshipping and religious practices. Its long stems contain air spaces while rhizomes perform the
functions of the roots. The metaphorical symbolism of Lotus extends to divinity, fertility, wealth, knowledge and enlightenment. The adaptability of the plant to
produce beautiful and gorgeous flowers despite the muddy swaps where it goes are meant to remind to remain pure and untouched by the evil and lead a life of
non-attachment. The eyes of Lord Vishnu are often described in the Vedic verses as the petals of the Lotus flower and His pink feet are referred to as 'Charan
Kamal' or the 'Lotus Feet'. It is often used as the motifs and patterns in the ancient Indian art and architecture.

National Fruit of India - Mango - Designated as the King of all fruits by Indians since long, ripe fleshy mangoes are certainly very tasty. The raw ones can be
used to make spicy pickles that are an important part of Indian cuisine. Belonging to the Mangifera indica species, mangoes are native to India and are the most
cultivated fruits of the tropical world. A rich source of Vitamins A, C and D, India hosts over 100 varieties of juicy mangoes that can be of green, orange, yellow and
shades of red. They can be of many sizes and shapes. Historians have mentioned the deliciousness of this savory fruit in the ancient times. The famous Indian
poet Kalidasa has penned praises on mangoes while historians mention that the great Alexander and the famous Chinese traveler had tasted its divine flavor.

The great Moghul emperor Akabar has been known to plant as many as 100,000 mango trees in Lakhi Bagh in Darbhanga, Bihar. Now, the National Fruit of India,
International Mango Festival is now conducted in Delhi every year that displays the wide range of traditionally favorite Indian varieties along with the latest
discoveries of mango varieties that are tasty, healthy and quick to bear fruits. It allows the visitors to taste the different flavors of the mangoes, buy a tree for your
fruit garden and impart knowledge about cultivating mangoes. This summer fruit may or may not have one big large seed that is not edible but are usable in
making different medicines.

ndian National Song - Bankim Chandra Chaterjee penned 'Vande Mataram' for his Bengali novel 'Anand Math'. The song charged with patriotic fervor and full of
praises for the motherland was an instant favorite among the freedom fighters of the day. Later, it was translated into English by Shree Auribindo Ghosh to conform
to its universality and eventually, the first stanza of the song became the National Song of India.

Sanskrit
Vande
Sujalam
Malayaja
Shasyashyamalaam
Shubharajyothsna
Pulakitayaminim
Phullakusumita
Drumadala
Suhasinim
Sumadhura
Sujhadam
English
I
Richly
Cool
Dark
In
Her
Her

Mataram
Suphalam
Shitalam
!

Mataram

Shobinim
Bhasinim
Mataram!

varadam

bow
with
with

the
the
trees

to
watered,
the
crops
Glory

winds
of
nights
in

the
richly
of
the
of

the
harvests,

The
the

flowering

Mother,
fruited
South,
Mother!
moonlight,
rejoicing,
bloom,

Her
Sweet
Sweet
Giver

hands

clothed
of
of

of

boons,

giver

of

Bliss,

The

beautifully
laughter,
speech
Mother!

The song was a source of inspiration for many patriots and owes as much respect by the Indians as the National Anthem - 'Jana Gana Man'. It was first sung in the
1896 session of the Indian National Congress.

National Tree of India - Banyan - Ficus bengalensis or the Banyan tree is the National Tree of India. Belonging to the fig family, the branches of the Banyan
spread over a large area take roots and keep on living and regenerating for thousands of years. Over the years, it consistently gains more trunks and branches
that add to its longevity. According to the Indian mythology, it is considered immortal. Many of the Indian villages are centered around large shady banyan trees
that provide a good place for public meetings and meetings of the village council. The tree has the widest reaching roots of all the trees and can easily extend to
several of acres.

The size of the banyan tree, its alleged immortality and its religious significance in India made in an obvious choice to be chosen as the National Tree of India. It
served to provide leafy shelter to a number of weary Indians who would use it to give themselves some rest in its shade from the blazing hot summer sun. Indians
have long honored this tree and many folklores and mythological legends are attached to it. Some of the Hindu rituals make it even more prominent. Besides the
humans, it provides shelter to many other creatures. It is also known to need little maintenance and is virtually a boon to Indians.