Bhakti Chalak/Pune

For 52 years, the Shaikh family of Pune has been carrying forward the tradition of making paper Tricolours. The family produces around 50,000 flags every year, which are sent across the country and find their way into the hands of children and elders alike during Independence Day celebrations.

Living in the narrow lanes of Kasba Peth, the family has continued making the flags despite floods, relocation and changing times. For the Shaikhs, flag-making is not merely a source of livelihood but a labour of love and a tradition deeply rooted in their lives.

The family’s association with making Tricolours began more than five decades ago. The foundation was laid by Iliyas Shaikh’s father-in-law in Kasba Peth, and the tradition is being carried forward by the family today. When devastating floods struck the area, the local municipal corporation rehabilitated the family at a new location.

A member of the Shaikh family making paper tricolours

They lost a great deal in the floods, but refused to let go of their tradition of making the national flag.

The legacy was continued by their daughter-in-law and eventually embraced by the entire family. What began as a small endeavour, producing just 400 to 500 flags a year, has now grown into a large operation, with the family proudly producing around 50,000 flags annually.

Long before the echoes of patriotic songs are heard on August 15 or January 26, the Shaikh household turns into a bustling workshop.

The preparation begins two to three months in advance. From sourcing wooden sticks from Mahatma Phule Mandai to cutting paper, painting and glueing, every task is carried out by the family members themselves.

A single flag passes through four to five hands before it is finally ready. Once completed, the flags are neatly tied into bundles of 50 and handed over to local shopkeepers and street vendors.

Speaking about the deep emotional connection they share with this work, Iliyas Shaikh says, “We have immense respect for our national flag. We don't do this for profit; we do it out of pure love and joy. We’ve been doing this for so many years that if we don't make the flags, we feel restless. Today, we continue this tradition largely because our children insist on it. It brings them happiness.”

Illyas Shaikh selling flags from his home outlet

Living in the narrow lanes of Kasba Peth, the family has continued making the flags despite floods, relocation and changing times. For the Shaikhs, flag-making is not merely a source of livelihood but a labour of love and a tradition deeply rooted in their lives.

The family’s association with making Tricolours began more than five decades ago. The foundation was laid by Iliyas Shaikh’s father-in-law in Kasba Peth, and the tradition is being carried forward by the family today. When devastating floods struck the area, the local municipal corporation rehabilitated the family at a new location.

In an era where every effort is often measured in terms of profit and loss, the Shaikh family stands out as a rare exception. Financially, the family is doing well; by the grace of God, the younger generation has good jobs and steady incomes. Yet, they remain determined to keep this tireless tradition alive.

“This work brings us profound joy,” Iliyas explains. “As long as there is breath in our bodies, we will keep making these flags. If we ever stop, we wouldn’t know what to do with ourselves. By Allah’s grace, our children earn well, but we do this auspicious work for our country. It keeps our hearts at peace and earns us the spiritual merit of serving the nation.”

The newest generation is equally enthusiastic. Aiman Shaikh, the young daughter-in-law of the family, works alongside the others with the same enthusiasm. Sharing her pride, she says, “Before I got married, my world was limited to my home, school, and college. But when I came into this family, I realized what a noble and massive task they were undertaking. I am incredibly proud to be a part of this process and to do my bit for the country.”

In a society where people often try to build religious walls, such barriers crumble at the doorstep of the Shaikh family. Anyone who comes to their home to collect the flags arrives with only one identity: an Indian.

Reflecting on the philosophy behind continuing his ancestors' legacy, Iliyas says, “It’s not like we make a huge profit margin from this. But the generational legacy started by my parents-in-law must not stop. We are driven by a single dream: the Tricolour should reach every hand and every home.”

ALSO READ: Grateful nation honoured Lt Balwan Singh for Tiger Hill operation with MVC

He smiles and adds, “We don't look at who is Hindu and who is Muslim here. The person who visits us simply comes to take the flag of India. They don't announce their religion, and we don't ask. Whoever wants the flag, we hand it to them with joy.”