NB BUREAU
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday unveiled new ensign of the Indian Navy, shedding the last vestiges of colonial past. The new ensign incorporates one of the design elements of the Maratha Navy to honour Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
“Till today Indian Naval flags carried a sign of slavery which has been replaced with a new one inspired by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj,” Modi said, unveiling the new naval ensign.
The new ensign incorporates the National Flag on the upper canton. A blue octagonal shape with the national emblem sits atop an anchor, superimposed on a shield with the Navy’s motto replaces the old ‘Cross of St George’ — the red cross on a white background.
:The White Ensign identified nation-wide with the Navy, now comprises of two main constituents – the National Flag in the upper left canton, and a Navy Blue – Gold octagon at the centre of the fly side (away from the staff). The Octagon is with twin golden octagonal borders encompassing the golden National Emblem (Lion Capital of Ashoka – under scribed with ‘Satyamev Jayate’ in blue Devnagri script) resting atop an anchor; and superimposed on a shield. Below the shield, within the octagon, in a golden bordered ribbon, on a Navy Blue background, is inscribed the motto of the Indian Navy ‘Sam No Varunah’ in golden Devnagri script,” explains the press release issued by the Ministry of Defence.
“The octagonal shape with twin golden borders draws inspiration from the seal of the great Indian emperor, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, whose visionary maritime outlook established a credible naval fleet,” the Navy said in a video.
The navy said the blue octagonal shape represents the eight directions symbolising the Indian Navy’s multidirectional reach and multidimensional operational capability. The anchor symbol represents “steadfastness”, the navy said.
The new Naval Ensign will be flown on all Indian Navy’s warships and its bases.
(With Media Inputs)
