New naval ensign drawing inspiration from Chhatrapati Shivaji unveiled
Kochi, Sep 2: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday unveiled a new naval ensign inspired from the Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji.
The Navy said the ensign was a step towards liberating the mind and empowering the "indomitable spirit of the sentinels of our seas".
Unveiling it, Modi said the country has taken off the "burden of slavery."
After commissioning the INC Vikrant, Modi hoisted the ensign at the rear end of the warship.
The design was classified information and was known only to a handful of senior Naval officers. Soon after the Prime Minister hoisted the new flag on Vikrant, the ensigns atop the destroyer, frigate and the patrol vessels which were docked on the jetty of the Southern Naval Command too changed their ensigns.
Over the years, Naval ensign was changed many times. The first ensign of 1947 was changed in 1950. Later, it underwent changes during 2001, 2004 and 2014.
The new ensign has the national flag on the upper canton and a blue octagonal shape encompassing the national emblem sitting atop an anchor. The anchor, depicting steadfastness, is superimposed on a shield with Navy's motto 'Sam No Varunah' in Devnagri.
The Navy said the octagonal shape represents the eight directions symbolising its multi-directional reach and multi-dimensional operational capability.
The octagonal shape with twin golden borders draws inspiration from Indian emperor Chathrapathi Shivaji's seal.
"The new ensign is a step towards liberating the mind and further empowering the indomitable spirit of the sentinels of our seas," Navy said.
"Today, on the historic date of September 2, 2022, India has taken off a trace of slavery, a burden of slavery. The Navy has got a new flag from today. Till now, the identity of slavery remained on the flag of the Navy. But from today, inspired by Chhatrapati Shivaji, the new navy flag will fly in the sea and in the sky," Modi said and dedicated it to the legendary Maratha king.
The Prime Minister said the new ensign was proud of its rich cultural heritage, doing away with the traces of the colonial past.
The Navy had earlier said the new ensign (Nishaan) would be befitting the rich maritime heritage of the country.
#Historical...
— IN (@IndiannavyMedia) September 2, 2022
Hon'ble PM @narendramodi unveils the new #naval ensign making 02 Sep 2022 as a momentous day in the history of #IndianNavy#HarKaamDeshKeNaam@DefenceMinIndia@Indiannavy pic.twitter.com/eu3BpmWQfX
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Bihar: Over 150 children fall ill after consuming 'mid-day meal' in Saharsa
Saharsa (PTI): More than 150 children were taken ill after allegedly consuming food that was part of the mid-day meal in a school in Bihar’s Saharsa district, a senior official said on Thursday.
The incident occurred at a middle school in Baluaha village of the district.
The official said that 115 children were undergoing treatment at the Sadar Hospital, while around 50 students were admitted to Mahishi Public Health Centre.
“We received information that several children fell ill after consuming the mid-day meal in Baluaha. The children were initially treated at the primary health centre, but later, many were referred to the Sadar Hospital,” Saharsa District Magistrate Deepesh Kumar told reporters.
“According to doctors, the health condition of the children has improved, but they will be kept under observation for some time. There is no need to panic. Some kids are having mild fever. They are being treated accordingly,” Kumar said.
Meanwhile, family members of some children claimed that a snake was found in the container in which cooked pulses was stored at the school.
Of the 545 students present in the school, 200 had already eaten their meals by the time the snake was spotted, and later complained of stomach ache and vomiting, they said.
Regarding the claims, the DM said food samples have been collected from the school.
“We will be able to comment on this only after the results of the tested samples arrive,” he said.
