Indian Navy's Flag

Flag of Indian Navy

Flags are of many types. Every nation has them, and administrative or military wings also possess them, often under the term, ‘ensigns’. Little known to us, India’s armed forces also preserve their honour and commitment to the nation under their own unique flags fluttering in the gentle breeze. Recently, I just happened to search in Google on flags and found the ensigns of India’s armed forces. Looking at that of the Navy, I made a gasp of incredulity. See it on the right side…

Flag of England

What made me gasp? Because I had seen this flag somewhere before, in the football grounds of Europe and where world football is played in all its majesty. Why, it is the flag of England, called St. George’s Cross! See on the right…

So what was going on for all these 67 years since independence? The Navy simply put the tri-colour on the left-top quadrant of England’s cross and was happy with that! If you ask what is there in a flag, except symbolism, the answer is that the symbolism itself is important in a national setup. Perhaps when the dawn breaks when all the inhabitants of this blue planet awakes under a single banner, these considerations will be rated parochial and even stupid. But till that time, there must be some meaning in the official flags. Otherwise, why does the country impose harsh punishments for violation of the national flag? 

Flag of Indian Army

Flag of Indian Air Force

So I checked the ensigns of the Army and Air Force. There is no bone of contention with them. They have thoroughly modified their British outfits to join the national mainstream. The Navy still stands adamantly behind.

Isn’t it high time that the Navy change its flag to a theme of national significance?