According to the Navy, the ceremonial passing of the baton may only take place inside the office during a change of command.
29 July, New Delhi, India (ANI): With immediate effect, the Indian Navy has discontinued the practise of all of its sailors carrying batons, in accordance with the government’s directive to shed the colonial heritage.
The Indian Navy said in a statement that “with the passage of time, the carrying of batons by naval personnel has become the standard. The colonial legacy of authority or power being expressed via the brandishing of a baton is out of place in the modernised Amrit Kaal navy.
Accordingly, “Carrying of batons by all personnel, including those from the provost, be discontinued with immediate effect,” the letter said.
The Navy has now mandated that each unit’s head of organization’s office get a ceremonial baton in the proper manner.
The ceremonial passing of the baton may only be done inside the office during a change of command, according to the Navy.
The Indian Navy also updated its emblem as part of efforts by the Indian Defence services to rid themselves of colonial vestiges.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also introduced the Indian Navy’s new flag, or “Nishaan,” last year. It was designed to commemorate the nation’s rich maritime tradition while removing any signs of colonialism.
The Chhatrapati Shivaji seal served as inspiration for the new ensign. (ANI)
