Identity shift: Indian Navy gets new designs of Epaulettes inspired by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
In a new announcement, the Indian Navy reveals designs of new epaulettes to be adopted by the service. Revelation of Epaulette Designs As the Indian Navy celebrated Navy Day on December 4, Prime Minister Modi made a significant announcement about...
03:01 PM Dec 29, 2023 IST
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Preeti Dalal
In a new announcement, the Indian Navy reveals designs of new epaulettes to be adopted by the service.
Revelation of Epaulette Designs
As the Indian Navy celebrated Navy Day on December 4, Prime Minister Modi made a significant announcement about the new designs of epaulettes to be adopted by the Indian Navy. The new designs hold great significance because they symbolize India's national identity, free from colonial influence. The Indian Navy has been constantly making efforts to shed the skin of colonial influence, which has persisted even after 75 years of independence.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was present during the Navy Day celebration on December 4 at the SindhuDurg fort, built by the Maratha empire and serving as an important base for the Marathas. The Indian Navy performed various operational demonstrations, and the PM also unveiled a statue of Shivaji Maharaj.
What is an Epaulette?
An epaulette is a decorative piece worn by officials in their uniform. In the case of the Navy, it is the rank worn by every naval personnel on their shoulder, symbolizing their designation/rank in the service.
For a soldier, their rank is a matter of utmost pride, and thus, it is carried with confidence on their shoulders.
The new design of Rank signifies Indian maritime heritage in its 3 major features which are-
The Octagon shape- the 8 sides signifies all the directions the Navy will protect. it i also inspired by the Rajmudra of Shivaji Maharaj.
The sword- cutting-edge technology and power
Telescope- ability to have an eye on everything, foreignness
Golden Button- Navy's resolve to do away with "gulami ki Maansikta."
For now, the Navy has released these designs for the top ranks of Admiral, Vice Admiral, and Rear Admiral.
While announcing the new epauletts the Prime Minister said “Inspired by the ideals of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, today’s India is moving forward abandoning the mentality of slavery. I am happy to announce that the epaulets donned by the naval officers will now highlight the heritage and legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and they will be similar to the naval ensign."
What's more?
Last year, the Indian Navy adopted a new flag. The adoption of this new flag also symbolized freedom from colonial mentality, as the previous flag had red intersecting lines similar to the flag of England/UK. The new flag consists of the Indian flag along with the new logo of the Indian Navy, symbolizing both strength and heritage.
Navy flag before and after
On September 2, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the new Indian Naval Flag at the Cochin Shipyard Limited in Kochi, Kerala. On the same day, INS Vikrant, India's first indigenously built aircraft carrier, was commissioned into service. The octagon represents the same heritage as Shivaji Maharaj, as do the epaulettes.
Proud of Restoring the Indian Identity
Not only the Indian Navy but also many organizations in India still follow colonial traditions and influence. For a country to make its mark in the world, it must first establish a strong identity. A country struggling with its own identity cannot leave a significant impact on the world. Therefore, it has always been important for India to discard symbols of its dark colonial past, reflecting a new, strong country with its own identity and not a follower of any other.
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