‘Colonial legacy’: Indian Navy ends practice of carrying batons with immediate effect

livemint.com:

The Indian Navy announced on Saturday that it would end the practice of carrying batons with ‘immediate effect’. A ceremonial baton will now be placed in the office of the head of the organisation of every unit - to be handed over within the office as part of a change of command. The move is in line with the government's efforts to shed India's colonial legacy.

“With the passage of time, carrying of batons by naval personnel has become a norm. The symbolism of authority or power pot heated through the holding of a baton is a colonial legacy that is out of place in a transtormed navy of Amrit Kaal," read an official communique released by the Indian Navy. “Carrying of batons by all personnel including those from the provost be discontinued with immediate effect," the letter added.

The Indian Defence forces have taken multiple steps to shed the legacies of the colonial era and the Indian Navy changed its insignia as well. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had unveiled the new Navy flag last year during the commissioning of India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant. As the PM put it during the event, Indian Naval flags had so far carried a sign of slavery.

The new ensign is inspired by the seal of Chhatrapati Shivaji. “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. The Octagon is with twin golden octagonal borders encompassing the golden National Emblem resting atop an anchor; and superimposed on a shield.