00:00 The Indian Navy has taken a significant step towards shedding its colonial past.
00:07 The Navy has reportedly issued directives allowing officers and sailors to wear ethnic
00:13 attire, specifically kurta-pajamas, in naval messes.
00:16 This move follows the recent unveiling of a new design for the Admiral's epaulets,
00:21 reflecting the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
00:24 In a bid to put an end to the ghulami ki mansikta or colonial mindset, the Indian Navy is introducing
00:29 a dress code that embraces Indian traditional wear.
00:33 According to reports, officers and sailors can now wear kurta-pajamas along with sleeveless
00:38 jackets and closed formal shoes or sandals in officers' messes and sailors' institutes.
00:44 The guidelines specify that the kurta must be of a solid tone with a length up to the
00:49 knees, cuff sleeves can be adorned with buttons or cufflinks, and the narrow pajama should
00:54 match or contrast with trousers.
00:57 Women officers are allowed to wear kurta churidar or kurta balazo.
01:00 It's important to note that this new dress code does not apply to warships or submarines.
01:06 So, why is the Navy making these changes?
01:09 Last September, discussions were held among top naval brass regarding allowing kurta-pajamas
01:15 as national civil dress for officers and sailors.
01:18 According to sources, officers will have the option to wear this attire if they or their
01:23 guests are comfortable, emphasising that it is not meant to replace any existing uniform
01:28 or rig but rather to be more inclusive and representative of Indian culture.
01:34 In December of 2023, the Navy took the lead over the Army and the Air Force in shedding
01:38 colonial practices by introducing a new design for the Admirals' epaulets.
01:43 This design, inspired by the Raj Mudra of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, symbolises the
01:47 Navy's commitment to breaking free from colonial-era customs and traditions.
01:53 Prime Minister Narendra Modi had urged the top commanders of all three services to rid
01:57 themselves of legacy systems and practices during the Combined Commanders' Conference
02:02 in 2021.
02:03 Since then, the Indian military has been actively working to Indianise ranks, redesign titles
02:08 and replace colonial symbols, such as the old naval ensign, with ones more reflective
02:14 of the nation's identity.
02:15 While these efforts are aimed at moving away from the colonial past, it's worth noting
02:20 that not everyone in the military community is in favour of these changes.
02:25 Some veterans argue that colonial legacies have had no adverse effects on military efficiency.
02:31 This move marks a significant shift for the Indian Navy as it braces its rich cultural
02:35 heritage and takes strides towards a more inclusive and representative identity.
02:39 [Music]
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