RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat said the national flag was first decided in 1933, with flag committee recommending traditional 'Bhagwa' (saffron) flag to be flag of Independent India. He added that Mahatma Gandhi intervened, suggesting "three colours with bhagwa on top". He further said, since its creation, Sangh has always stood by, protected, and offered tributes to this Tiranga dhwaj (Tricolour).