The Indian Navy on December 29 unveiled the new design of epaulettes that senior officers will display on their uniform as part of efforts to shed the remnants of its colonial legacies in customs and traditions.
Key features of epaulettes
- The new design is drawn from its naval ensign and inspired from the Rajmudra of Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, reflecting the rich maritime heritage of the Marathas.
- The new epaulettes are for the ranks of Admiral, Vice Admiral, Rear Admiral, Surgeon Vice Admiral and Surgeon Rear Admiral.
- The new epaulettes have the new golden Navy button carrying the new naval crest which was unveiled last year, followed by a red octagon as the backing to the national emblem, and a sword and a telescope.
- The red octagon reflects the eight cardinal directions indicative of an all-round long-term vision. It is inspired by the new naval ensign that was unveiled last year and inspired from the Rajmudra of Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj who had built the massive Maratha Navy which has a rich maritime legacy.
- The ones for the medical officers have a red border as well.
- In September 2022 during the commissioning of the first indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had unveiled a new Naval ensign.
