Indian Navy Releases New Design For Admirals’ Epaulettes

The new Admirals’ Epaulettes design was unveiled by the Indian Navy. On Navy Day in 2023, PM Modi made this declaration in Sindhudurg, Maharashtra. The statement states that the Rajmudra of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is featured in the design, which draws inspiration from the Naval Ensign. The epaulettes hold the Octagon, Sword, Telescope, and Golden Navy Button.

In order to comply with Indian traditions, the Navy plans to modernize the naval rank structure. The Navy’s determination to end colonialism is symbolized by the Golden Navy Button. The Octagon represents the eight cardinal directions, which stand for an all-encompassing long-term vision. The Sword emphasizes the Navy’s core mission, which is to lead the country’s military and win wars by subduing adversaries and overcoming all challenges. The telescope is a metaphor for knowledge, long-term planning, and keeping an eye on the weather in a dynamic environment. The design is a true representation of India’s rich maritime history, the statement continued.

“Inspired by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the nation is moving forward, leaving the mentality of dependence behind,” stated Prime Minister Modi earlier this month in Sindhudurg during the Navy Day celebrations. I’m happy that a small portion of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s heritage will now be seen on the epaulettes worn by our naval commanders.” “There is now an additional epaulette design with Shivaji Maharaj’s army symbol on it. “I consider it a boon that I could associate the Navy flag with the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj,” he went on.

What does each of the new design’s symbols represent?

1. The Golden Navy button: It restates the determination to eliminate “ghulami ki maansikta.”
2. Octagon: It stands for the eight directions, signifying the forces’ comprehensive long-term outlook.
3. Indian sword: It highlights the core of the Navy’s mission to lead the country’s naval forces and win battles by subduing opponents and rising to every obstacle.
4. telescope: The telescope represents long-term vision, foresight, and a weather eye in a world that is constantly changing.

The navy has also completed examining the ranks held by sailors, who were descended from the British. It intends to replace colonial military traditions with Indianized nomenclature as part of a greater drive to renounce them. More than 65,000 sailors are now eligible to get new ranks. As previously announced, the 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 ranks will be modified to comply with Indian norms. However, the officer ranks will not change.