The President’s Colour of the Indian Navy has several distinctive features reflecting both tradition and recent modernization:
Design Elements
New Design (2022)
- Features a navy blue-gold octagon with twin golden borders
- National flag positioned in upper left canton
- State Emblem in golden color on upper right canton
- Octagonal shape inspired by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s royal seal
Symbolic Components
Central Features
- Golden National Emblem (Lion Capital of Ashoka) rests atop an anchor
- Navy’s motto “Sam No Varunah” inscribed in golden Devanagari script
- Eight directions represented by octagon symbolize Navy’s maritime outreach
Historical Significance
First Recipients
- Indian Navy was the first armed force to receive President’s Colour in 1951
- Presented by Dr. Rajendra Prasad, first President of India
Command Recognition
The President’s Colour has been awarded to:
- Western, Southern, and Eastern Naval Commands
- Western and Eastern Fleets
- Submarine Arm
- Naval Air Arm
- Key training establishments like INS Shivaji and Naval Academy
The design symbolizes India’s maritime heritage while representing a powerful, confident, and proud Indian Navy, moving away from colonial-era symbols.
