NEW DELHI:A new design for the Admirals’ Epaulettes, a shoulder ornament that indicates an officer’s rank, was revealed by the Indian Navy.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared on Navy Day, December 4, that the new epaulets would “honour the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.”
The Indian Navy has two, three, and four-star ranks for admirals. The highest rank of admiral is preceded by vice admiral.
The Admiral Epaulet consists of four components – a golden Navy button, an octagon, a sword and a telescope.
The navy’s resolve to “shed the mentality of servitude” is reflected by the gold navy buttons.
The previous gold shoulder board is replaced by the gold button, which bears the new naval ensign.
The octagonal shape (now red), derived from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s Rajmudra, is a vital part of the design. It is located under the gold button on the epaulet.
The new design, with the red Rajmudra (royal seal), signifies the “eight-cardinal directions to denote a comprehensive long-term vision.”
The octagon has the words “Satyamev Jayate,” which means “Truth only Prevails,” engraved on it.
The “cutting edge of national power and winning wars through supremacy, vanquishing foes and surmounting every obstacle” is represented by an Indian sword under the Rajmudra.
The new epaulet has a cross made of the telescope and the Indian sword, with the telescope replacing the baton.
The Indian Navy changed its ensign last year and swapped the red Saint George’s Cross with a blue octagon that has the national emblem over an anchor.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the Maratha Empire’s founder in western India, pioneered the importance of a strong navy.
He built many coastal forts along the Konkan coast, such as Vijaydurg and Sindhudurg, as per the Navy.
The Indian Navy changed its ensign last year, swapping the red Saint George’s Cross with a blue octagon that has the national emblem over an anchor.
