When Prime Minister Narendra Modi commissions the first indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, at the Cochin Shipyard Limited in Kochi on September 2, he will also unveil a new naval ensign (Nishan) doing away with the colonial past and befitting the rich Indian maritime heritage.
The Prime Minister’s Office on Tuesday announced the unveiling of the new ensign or nishan and commissioning of the 42,000 ton aircraft carrier costing more than `20,000 crore. The current ensign of the Navy is a white flag with horizontal and vertical red stripes, symbolising the Cross of St George, with the emblem of India, Ashoka Lion, superimposed on the intersection. The Tricolour is placed in the upper canton next to the staff. In the new ensign, the Cross will be deleted and the naval crest depicting an anchor will be added, sources said here on Tuesday.
Moreover, a commonality will be maintained with the flags of the Army and the Indian Air Force, they said adding this is the fourth time since 1950 that the naval ensign will be changed.
The first change was on January 26, 1950 when India became a Republic and the Navy Crest and flags were duly Indianised.
While the Union flag was replaced by the Indian flag, the ensign and Distinguishing Flags continued to have British legacy in the form of the Red St George’s Cross.
The Crown in the naval crest, depicted with an anchor, was replaced by Ashoka Lion for the Indian Navy’s
Emblem.
The invocation to Lord Varuna (The Sea God) in the Vedas was adopted by it for its emblem, with the Motto: “Sam no Varunah”, meaning: “Be auspicious unto us Oh Varuna”. The inscription of Satyamev Jayate below the State Emblem was included in the crest.
While other ex-colonial navies discarded the Red St George’s Cross in their new ensigns and flags, the Indian Navy retained it till 2001.