New Ensign of Navy

DURING THE EVENT, THE Prime Minister also unveiled the new Naval Ensign. He dedicated the new ensign to Chhatrapati Shivaji. The revealing of the new sign is being touted as a step to do away with the colonial past and befitting the rich Indian maritime heritage. Doing away with the colonial past and connecting with the nation’s roots were among the five “prans” that Modi pointed toward in his speech on Independence Day marking Azaadi ka Amrit Mahotsav. The Indian Navy has got a new flag today; from today onwards, inspired by Chhatrapati Shivaji, the new Navy flag will fly in the sea and in the sky, stated the Prime Minister.

Resonant to the ongoing national endeavour to move away from the colonial past, the need was felt to transition to a new design that drew inspiration from our history. The White Ensign identified nationwide with the Navy, now comprises 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 – undescribed 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. The design encompassed within the octagon has been taken from the Indian Naval crest, wherein the fouled anchor, which is also associated with colonial legacy, has been replaced with a clear anchor underscoring the steadfastness of the Indian Navy.