Indian Navy unveils new design for admirals’ epaulettes

Drawing inspiration from the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the Indian Navy unveiled a new design for Admirals’ epaulettes on Friday.

The unveiling of the epaulettes, a shoulder piece worn to show the rank of an officer, came three-and-a-half weeks after Prime Minister Narendra Modi made an announcement on it.

“Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj has been an inspiration to all of us. The new Admirals’ Epaulettes design which was unveiled today by the Indian Navy is also inspired by the Rajmudra of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and is adapted from the Naval Ensign,” Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis said on X.

“The new design was announced by the Hon. PM Narendra Modi ji during the Navy Day ceremony in Sindhudurg, reflecting our strong maritime heritage.
‘Virasat Par Garv’ and ‘Ghulami ki Mansikta se Mukti’, the two pillars of PanchPran, are reaffirmed by the adoption of the new design,” he added.

In his address at the Navy Day celebrations at Sindhudurg in Maharashtra on December 4, Modi expressed happiness that the epaulettes donned by the naval officers will now highlight the heritage and legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He also recalled unveiling the naval ensign last year.

With the feeling of taking pride in one’s heritage, the prime minister announced that the Indian Navy is now going to name its ranks in line with Indian traditions. “As we usher in the new year #2024, Indian Navy proudly unveils the new design of Admirals’ Epaulettes,” the Navy said on X.”

Announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during Navy Day 2023 at Sindhudurg — the new design is drawn from the Naval Ensign and inspired by Rajmudra of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, and is a true reflection of our rich maritime heritage,” it added.

Admirals’ epaulettes now have the golden Navy button along with an octagon, and an Indian sword and a telescope crossed, followed by stars reflecting the ranks of rear admiral, vice admiral and admiral.

The Navy is in the process of renaming some of the ranks from the British nomenclature to reflect an Indian connect. The force said the golden button reiterates “our resolve to do away with Ghulami ki Maansikta (slave mentality)”.It said the octagon represents the eight cardinal directions, indicative of an all-round long-term vision.

The sword emphasises the very essence of “our raison d’etre namely be the cutting edge of national power and win wars through dominance, defeating adversaries and overcoming every challenge”, the Navy said.It said the telescope symbolises long-term vision and foresight.

The telescope replaced the baton in the new epaulette. Earlier, a sword and the baton were in cross formation.

With PTI inputs.