PM Modi unveils the new Naval Ensign, dedicates it to Chhatrapati Shivaji

• Marking a departure from the colonial past, PM unveiled the new Naval Ensign
• "Today on the historic date of September 2, 2022, India has taken off a trace of slavery, a burden of slavery"- PM Modi
• Modi dedicates the new Ensign to Chhatrapati Shivaji

New Delhi/ Kochi: During the commissioning event of INS Vikrant, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the new Naval Ensign (Nishaan), doing away with the colonial past and befitting the rich Indian maritime heritage. He dedicated the new ensign to Chhatrapati Shivaji. Unveiling the new naval ensign, PM talked about the Indian Maritime tradition and naval capabilities. Chhatrapati Veer Shivaji Maharaj, he said, built such a navy on the strength of this sea power, which kept the enemies on their toes.

"When the British came to India, they used to be intimidated by the power of Indian ships and traded through them. So they decided to break the back of India's maritime power. History is witness to how strict restrictions were imposed on Indian ships and merchants by enacting a law in the British Parliament at that time", the Prime Minister said.

PM noted that today on the historic date of September 2, 2022, India has taken off a trace of slavery, a burden of slavery. The Indian Navy has got a new flag from today. Till now the identity of slavery remained on the flag of the Indian Navy. But from today onwards, inspired by Chhatrapati Shivaji, the new Navy flag will fly in the sea and in the sky.

The transition from the old to new Ensign of the Navy

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 – underscribed 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 Devnagriscript.

The design encompassed within the octagon has been taken from the Indian Naval crest, wherein the fouled anchor, which is also associated with the colonial legacy, has been replaced with a clear anchor underscoring the steadfastness of the Indian Navy.

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