- A powerful connection between Indian navy flag and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj legacy
- PM Narendra Modi highlights the significance of the shift away from the Navy’s previous flag
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, celebrating Diwali with naval forces aboard the INS Vikrant, today drew a powerful connection between the modern, home-built aircraft carrier and the ancient legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The Prime Minister stated that the ship’s commissioning, coinciding with the adoption of a new Naval Ensign inspired by the Maratha ruler’s seal, was a profound statement of India discarding its colonial past and embracing the ultimate symbol of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India).
Vikrant: A Symbol of Identity, Not Just Firepower
Addressing the personnel off the coast of Goa and Karwar, PM Modi highlighted the significance of the shift away from the Navy’s previous flag, which contained the St. George’s Cross, a relic of British colonial rule. “On that very day, the Indian Navy said goodbye to one of the biggest symbols of colonial rule,” PM Modi recalled. “Inspired by the courage and vision of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, our Navy adopted a new ensign that truly shows our pride and identity.”
The new Naval Ensign, featuring the national flag and the octagonal seal of Shivaji Maharaj, represents a commitment to indigenous maritime strength and strategic thinking pioneered by the 17th-century ruler. For the Prime Minister, the towering $45,000$-tonne carrier is the ultimate embodiment of this new, self-assured national spirit.
Breaking the Enemy’s Courage: The Power of Vikrant
The Prime Minister gave the INS Vikrant singular credit for its role in the recent Operation Sindoor, confirming its use as a decisive deterrent against Pakistan.
“Just the name of Vikrant gave all of Pakistan sleepless nights during Operation Sindoor,” he said, underscoring the warship’s psychological and military impact. The deployment of the carrier, leading a large Carrier Battle Group in the Arabian Sea, projected overwhelming power, which PM Modi stated was instrumental in compelling a quick cessation of hostilities. “INS Vikrant is a name that breaks the enemy’s courage even before a fight even begins,” he stressed.
Home-Built Giant: Key Facts on India’s Largest Warship
The 262-metre-long INS Vikrant is the largest warship ever built in India and stands as a testament to the nation’s technological advancement in defence. Designed in-house and constructed by Cochin Shipyard Limited, the carrier was built at a cost of around ₹20,000 crore, with approximately 76 per cent of its components made in India. Weighing nearly 45,000 tonnes, the carrier can achieve a maximum speed of 28 Knots and carry about 30 aircraft, including MiG-29K fighter jets. It operates using a special ski-jump for take-off. The INS Vikrant is clearly more than a warship; it’s a floating declaration of national pride and a powerful link to India’s glorious maritime history.
Deputy Editor, Prime Post
With an illustrious career spanning 29 years in the dynamic field of journalism, Anand Gantela is a seasoned professional who has made significant contributions to both print and electronic media. His wealth of experience reflects a deep understanding of the ever-evolving landscape of news reporting.
It is rightly said that courage and vision inspired by our Navy in changing our old Navy Flag which indicates British colonal . And it’s pride moment 262 metre INS Vikrant warship with our own technolgy which Pakistan is very much worried over this. Every Indian should feel proud of it.