The Indian Navy introduced the new style of epaulettes that officers would wear on Friday, drawing motivation from Chhatrapati Shivaji’s Rajmudra. Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the new design at his Navy Day speech on December 4 in Sindhudurg, Maharashtra. The current design has been issued for the top three posts in the naval forces: Admiral, Vice Admiral, and Rear Admiral.

The reflection of the Maratha ruler’s maritime past in new epaulettes, a shoulder piece that indicates an officer’s rank, is an attempt to move away from the mentality of slavery, which the existing design features — Nelson’s Ring, a colonial relic.

“Indian Navy proudly unveils the new Design of Admirals’ Epaulettes. Announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during Navy Day 2023 at Sindhudurg – the new Design is drawn from the Naval Ensign & inspired by Rajmudra of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, and is a true reflection of our rich maritime heritage,”  the Navy informed.

PM Modi also announced that the naval rank nomenclature will include Indian traditions, which will be an addition to the Navy’s series of changes since last year, when it stopped using batons for commanders, adopted new ensigns, and allowed traditional Indian wears in officers’ mess.

What does each symbol in the new design represent?

• Golden Navy button: It reiterates the determination to do away with ‘ghulami ki maansikta’.
• The octagon: It reflects the eight directions and signifies the forces’ overall long-term goal.
• The Indian sword: It symbolises the Navy’s mission to be on the cutting edge of national strength, winning battles through domination, beating opponents, and overcoming every difficulty.
• Telescope: In an ever-changing world, the telescope represents long-term vision, foresight, and a weather eye.

The navy has also conducted an assessment of the ranks held by sailors that were passed down from the British. It plans to replace them with Indianized nomenclature as part of a wider effort to abandon colonial military traditions. More than 65,000 sailors will now be promoted.

The new ranks will be Master Chief Petty Officer Ist Class, Master Chief Petty Officer IInd Class, Chief Petty Officer, Petty Officer, Leading Seaman, Seaman Ist Class, and Seaman IInd Class, as previously reported by HT. The officer ranks, however, remain unchanged.

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