The new year 2024 brings new energy into everyone's lives. For instance, in the last few days of 2023, the Navy brought forward a brand new design of epaulets. These epaulets will be displayed by senior Navy officers in their uniforms.
Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi had made a declaration at his Navy Day address at Sindhuburg Maharashtra, stating that this novel design is going to be introduced for service.
The Navy's post on X (formerly Twitter) expresses that this new design of epaulets is actually an inspiration from the Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's Rajmudra. This demonstrates the prestigious maritime heritage of Marathas.
The new epauletes
These new epaulets are meant for the senior ranks of the Navy, like that of the Admiral, Rear Admiral, Vice Admiral, Surgeon Rear Admiral, and Surgeon Vice Admiral.
There would be over 100 officers holding the ranks of Rear Admiral and onwards in the Indian Navy, apart from the medical officers. A strength of over 12,000 officers has been sanctioned by the Navy. However, the official data says that at present, there exists a shortage of over 1,777 officers.
The changed design and what does it mean?
The new design of the epaulets showcases a new crest. However, the crest no longer holds the fouled anchor. This anchor was a remnant of the colonial era. The Navy says that the new design has the red octagon which depicts the eight cardinal directions. This signifies the all-round long-term vision of the Navy. The new epaulets are inspired by the Rajmudra of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The Maratha ruler successfully built a huge Maratha Navy and thus held a great maritime legacy.
The telescope is symbolic of a long-term vision. The Indian sword is representative of excelling in wars with dominance and overcoming challenges.
Why is there a change in the design?
In the past two years, the Indian Armed Forces have been trying hard to get away with the colonial-era vestiges, traditions, and customs.
For instance, a big change was made by replacing the Christian hymn Abide With Me was replaced by "Aye Mere Watan Ke Logon" in the Beating Retreat ceremony.
The Navy will soon be introducing Indian attires in the wardrooms and mess. The British-inherited ranks are also going to be Indianized by the Navy soon.
Additionally, more indigenous texts are soon going to be a part of the military training wherein the Indian war leaders and heroes will be focused on.
ALSO READ: Indian Armed Forces Ranks & Insignia, Check Here For Army, Navy, Air Force
Comments
All Comments (0)
Join the conversation