Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the renaming of ranks in the Indian Navy during the Navy Day celebrations in the Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra. The decision reflects a commitment to honoring the legacy of the legendary Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, credited for building the country’s first modern Navy.
Addressing the celebration, PM Modi highlighted the transformative ideals of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, stating that India of today is moving forward abandoning the slavery mentality. The Prime Minister unveiled plans for the epaulettes worn by naval officers to prominently feature the heritage and legacy of Shivaji Maharaj, aligning them with the design of the naval ensign.
“Inspired by the ideals of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the epaulettes donned by our naval officers will now highlight the heritage and legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as the new epaulettes will be similar to the naval ensign,” PM Modi announced during the celebration.
Prime Minister Modi also took the opportunity to emphasize the empowerment of ‘nari shakti’ within the armed forces. He commended the Indian Navy for appointing its first woman commanding officer on a naval ship, marking a significant milestone in the country’s defense history.
PM Modi was also witness to an operational demonstration of the Indian Navy, in which ships, aircraft and submarines of the force took part, off the picturesque Tarkarli beach, highlighting the force’s prowess.
