PM unveils new naval ensign, here’s why it is significant

Source: The post is based on the following articles

“PM unveils new naval ensign, here’s why it is significant” published in Indian Express on 1st September 2022.

“Navy’s ensign pays tribute to Shivaji” published in The Hindu on 3rd September 2022.

What is the News?

The Prime Minister unveiled the new Ensign (flag) of the Indian Navy in Kochi to mark the launch of India’s first aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant. This is the fourth time the naval ensign has been changed since 1950.

What is Naval Ensign?

A naval ensign is a flag that is installed atop naval warships, on ground stations, at air bases and at other institutions used as a form of maritime identification.

Every country’s navy has its own ensign which can be the same as their country’s flag or a distant one. For example, the US Navy’s ensign is the same as its national flag, but many other navies have distinctive naval ensigns which are used by their war vessels.

Evolution of Indian Naval Ensign

1950-2001: After 1950 when India became a Republic, the prefix ‘Royal’ was dropped from Royal Indian Navy(RIN) and it was rechristened as the Indian Navy. 

– The ensign was also replaced with the Indian flag instead of Britain’s flag over the St George’s Cross. Now the naval ensign had an Indian flag at the top left corner of the St George’s Cross over a white background. 

2001-2004: The naval ensign was again modified in the year 2001 where the St George’s Cross was dropped and a blue crest of the Indian Navy was set upon the white background with the Indian flag retaining its position. 

– This modification did not go well as many complained that the blue of the naval crest was indistinguishable from the sky and the ocean. 

2004-2014: Changes were made to the naval ensign in 2004 where the blue crest was dropped and St George’s Cross was restored, with a National Emblem at the intersection of the cross. 

2014-2022: In 2014, the ensign which is in use to date was customized to add Satyamev Jayate written in Devanagari script under the State Emblem of India at the intersection of St George’s Cross. 

What is the new Naval Ensign unveiled by the PM?

The Saint George’s cross has been removed from the new Indian Navy flag. The elements of the new Indian Navy flag consist of the national flag (tricolor) in the upper left canton, symbolizing the national spirit of India’s maritime force.

In the lower right-hand corner on the fly side, the Indian Navy’s new insignia consists of the Indian national emblem with the national motto ‘Satyamev Jayate’ engraved in Devanagari script, anchor and Navy’s motto: Shan no Varunaha (Be auspicious unto us oh Varuna) inside a blue octagon.

The octagon depicts eight directions, symbolizing good fortune, eternity, renewal and draws positive energy from all directions.

The golden border of the octagon represents the Rajmudra of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the legendary 16th-century Maratha warrior. He built a credible naval fleet that earned grudging admiration from European navies operating in the region at the time.