President's Colour of the Indian Navy

The President's Colour was first presented to the Indian Navy in 1951. It was a 36 x 48 inch (approx. 91 x 122 cm) flag based on the then-naval ensign, white with a St. George's cross and the Indian national flag in the canton. On the center of the cross was the state emblem--the Ashoka lions capital (in gold) and in lower fly the elephant emblem (embroidered in gold on the centre) from the president's personal standard, as in other Indian President's colours.   The elephant in the President’s flag signified strength.  The President's Colour was secured to a staff on the top of which was mounted the State's crest.

The Colour, symbolising the Navy's loyalty to the Head of the State, replaced the King's Colour which was laid up after India became a Republic.

PRESENTATION OF COLOURS

TO THE INDIAN NAVY

Date

Presented by

Picture

1933

Presentation of King's Colours to the Royal Indian Navy by H.E. The Right Hon'ble Lord Brabourne, GCIE, MC, Governor of Bombay

27 May 1951

By President Rajendra Prasad to the Indian Navy

20 Nov 1984

By President Giani Zail Singh to the Southern Naval Command

15 Apr 1987

By President Giani Zail Singh to the Eastern Naval Command

22 Feb 1990

By President R Venkatraman to the Western Naval Command

09 Mar 1997

By President Dr Shankar Dayal Sharma to the Western Fleet