The use of batons has been banned effective right away. The baton will only have a place in the office moving forward. The Indian Navy has decided that its troops will no longer wear ceremonial batons, officials with knowledge of the decision said on Saturday. This decision is the latest in the Indian Navy’s efforts to abandon colonial customs.
Image Source Indian Navy
Provost personnel responsible for policing, vigilance, and the enforcement of discipline up to this point carried batons. These individuals included senior officers in command capacities, commanding commanders of warships, naval bases, and other enterprises.
The Indian navy claims the colonial history of wielding such batons as symbols of authority is present.
“With the passage of time, carrying of batons by naval personnel has gradually become a norm,” states a naval headquarters letter dated July 28. “The symbolism of power or authority portrayed through holding the baton is a colonial legacy that is out of place in a transformed navy of the Amrit Kaal,” it said.
Image Source: OpIndia
“A ceremonial baton may be placed appropriately in the office of the head of the organisation of every unit. A ceremonial handing over of the baton may be undertaken within the office, as a part of Change of Command only,” the letter adds.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a new naval ensign last year at the INS Vikrant’s commissioning ceremony. The new flag was inspired by the seal of Maratha king Shivaji Maharaj, and the Cross of St. George was removed, a move the PM described as shedding the weight of a colonial past.
Also Read: Is Shivaji Really The Father Of Indian Navy? Have We Forgotten The Cholas In This Hubris?
The army is also evaluating its British-era traditions and will do away with some of them while maintaining its rich heritage. Moreover, the defence ministry has also started a campaign to rename cantonments from the British era as military stations.
