PM unveils new Naval Ensign, drops St George's Cross: 10 Facts

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday unveiled the new Naval Ensign 'Nishaan' at Cochin Shipyard Limited in Kochi, doing away with the colonial past and befitting the rich Indian maritime heritage.

The prime minister unveiled the new Naval Ensign 'Nishaan' during the commissioning of the indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant.

Naval Ensigns are flags that naval ships or formations bear to denote nationality.

The Indian Naval Ensign so far consisted of a St George's Cross -- a red cross with white background.

In one corner of the cross, the Indian flag was put when the country attained freedom, replacing the Union Jack in that place.

The Indian Naval Ensign has changed multiple times since Independence.

It was only in 2001 that the St George's Cross was taken out and the Indian Navy's crest was added to the opposite corner of the ensign.

The cross was put back again in 2004 with the addition of the emblem of India at the intersection of the cross.

Here are 10 facts related to the old and new Ensigns of the Indian Navy:

1. The erstwhile Indian Naval Ensign included the National Flag in the upper left canton, red vertical and horizontal stripes and a golden yellow State Emblem superimposed on the intersection of the red stripes.

2. The national motto 'Satyamev Jayate' engraved in the Devanagari script, was included underneath the State Emblem. This White ensign has been flown by all formations, ships and establishments of the Indian Navy till September 1.

3. The White Ensign identified nation-wide with the Navy, now comprises of two main constituents -- the National Flag in the upper left canton, and a Navy Blue-Gold octagon at the centre of the fly side (away from the staff).

4. The Octagon is with twin golden octagonal borders encompassing the golden National Emblem (Lion Capital of Ashoka - underscribed with 'Satyamev Jayate' in blue Devanagari script) resting atop an anchor; and superimposed on a shield.

5. Below the shield, within the octagon, in a golden bordered ribbon, on a Navy Blue background, is inscribed the motto of the Indian Navy 'Sam No Varunah' in golden Devanagari script.

6. The design encompassed within the octagon has been taken from the Indian Naval crest, wherein the fouled anchor, which is also associated with colonial legacy, has been replaced with a clear anchor underscoring the steadfastness of the Indian Navy.

7. The Navy Blue colour of the above octagonal shape depicts the Blue Water capabilities of the Indian Navy. The twin octagonal borders draw their inspiration from Shivaji Maharaj Rajmudra or the Seal of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, one of the prominent Indian kings with a visionary maritime outlook, who built a credible Naval Fleet that earned grudging admiration from European Navies operating in the region at the time.

8. The Octagonal shape also represents the eight directions (four cardinal and four inter cardinal), symbolising the Indian Navy's global outreach. The Octagon stands for good fortune, eternity, renewal and draws positive energy from all directions.

9. The new Naval White Ensign is thus, rooted in the glorious maritime heritage of India, as well as reflective of our Navy's present-day capabilities.

10. The President of India has approved the introduction of the new designs of the Naval Ensign, as also the Distinguishing Flags, Masthead Pennants and Car Flags for the Indian Navy. Formations, ships and establishments of the Indian Navy would be adopting the new Naval ensign, as also the new distinguishing flags, car flags and masthead pennants.