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Navy Unveils New Epaulettes for Admirals in an Effort to Shed Colonial Legacy

On December 29, the Navy unveiled the new design of epaulettes — a shoulder piece that signals rank — to be adorned by senior officers. The design is inspired from the seal of Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj reflecting the resolve of the Navy to shed the “mentality of slavery” and to reflect the rich maritime heritage of the country.

The new design was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his Navy Day address at Sindhudurg, Maharashtra, on 4 December.  The new epaulettes are for the ranks of Admiral, Vice Admiral, Rear Admiral, Surgeon Vice Admiral and Surgeon Rear Admiral. 

The Navy is also set to rename some of the ranks from the British nomenclature to reflect an Indian connect. These changes are a part of the efforts by the Indian Armed Forces to discard their colonial-era vestiges, customs and traditions.