Navy Introduces Shivaji-Inspired New Design For Admirals' Epaulettes

The Indian Navy released the new logo of the Epaulettes of officers of the rank of Admiral, Vice Admiral and Rear Admiral on 29 December 2023. The royal seal of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj inspires this logo. Epaulettes are shoulder badges worn by officers.

Prime Minister Modi had announced on Navy Day:

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi had talked about changing this design on Navy Day on 4 December 2023 in Sindhudurg, Maharashtra.
• The Indian Navy said that adopting the new design is in recognition of the two pillars of Panch Pran. The first reaffirms our commitment to 'Proud of Heritage' and the second to 'Freedom from Slavery Mentality'.

New Epaulettes inspired by Shivaji's coat of arms:

• The Indian Navy has adopted the new design of Admirals' Epaulettes from the Naval Ensign. The royal seal of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj inspires it. It is a true mirror of India's rich Maritime Heritage.
• Bringing the royal seal of the Maratha ruler in the new Epaulettes is an attempt to give up the mentality of slavery. The new Epaulettes replaced the Nelson Ring of the British Raj.

Feature of New Epaulettes Design:

• Golden Navy Button:- It reiterates the resolve to remove the mentality of slavery.
• Octagonal:- It is a symbol of eight directions, which reflects the overall long-term vision of the Army.
• Talwar:- It shows the Navy's objective to be the leader in power of the country and win wars through dominance, defeating adversaries and overcoming every challenge.
• Telescope:- It symbolizes vision, foresight and keeping an eye on the weather in the changing world.

Naval ranks are now named after Indian traditions:

• Prime Minister Modi had also announced on Navy Day that naval ranks will also be named based on Indian traditions.
• The Navy has also reviewed the ranks of the sailors obtained during British rule. To end the colonial military tradition, there is a plan to replace them with Indian Post Ranks.
• More than 65 thousand sellers will now get a new rank.

Changes in the Indian Navy:

• Many changes have been made in the Indian Navy since last year. Mainly in this
  • Commanders stopped using batons
  • New flag adopted
  • Traditional Indian dress code allowed.
• Earlier, there was a red cross symbol on the naval flag. The St. George's Cross, representing a Christian saint and warrior, was an element of the British flag, the Union Jack.
• The red cross was removed in 2001 and reinstalled in 2004. From 2001 to 2004, the Ashoka symbol was kept in it.
• In 2014, Satyamev Jayate was written below the Ashoka symbol.

About Horatio Nelson:-

• Nelson, whose ring was previously on the Epaulettes, has now been changed.
• Horatio Nelson (29 September 1758 – 21 October 1805) was a flag officer of the British Royal Navy. Due to his leadership, strategy and smart decisions, Britain won many important battles. Nelson's major battle is considered to be the Battle of Trafalgar, in which he defeated Napoleon of France.
• Nelson (then 47) was injured in this battle and died just 3 hours after being injured. Even in injured condition, Nelson was moving his army forward.
• Defeating Napoleon was a big deal at that time. French King Napoleon (reigned from 1789 to 1814) was famous in the world at that time. Napoleon was challenging British rule.