New Delhi: The Indian Navy has decided to eliminate the practise of all its sailors carrying batons as part of the government’s attempt to remove the colonial legacy. In a recent statement, the fleet emphasised that the symbol of authority or power connected with wielding a baton is a colonial relic that no longer corresponds with Amrit Kaal’s changed fleet.
The Indian Navy stated in a message, “With the passage of time, carrying batons by naval personnel has become a norm. The symbolic of authority or power pot heated by the carrying of a baton is a colonial heritage that has no place in Amrit Kaal’s changed navy.”
Accordingly, the Navy has directed the immediate cessation of carrying batons by all its personnel, including those from the provost. Instead, a ceremonial baton will be appropriately placed in the office of the head of the organisation in each unit. The ceremonial handover of the baton will only take place within the office during a change of command event.
In addition to ending the practise of carrying batons, the Indian Defence Forces have taken other measures to shed colonial-era legacies. Notably, the Indian Navy has already changed its insignia, known as the ‘Nishaan.’ The new ensign was unveiled last year by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and reflects the country’s rich maritime heritage while removing remnants of the colonial past. The design of the new ensign draws inspiration from the seal of Chhatrapati Shivaji.
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