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SOURCE: AFI

CREDIT SHIV ARROR

The Indian Navy’s latest addition to its submarine fleet, INS Vaghsheer, has sparked interest not only for its capabilities but also for its emblematic crest. Contrary to what might be suggested by the Wikipedia entry, which labels ‘Vaghsheer’ as a type of sandfish, the official crest of the submarine proudly features a thresher shark, highlighting a fascinating choice in naval symbolism.

Launched under Project 75, INS Vaghsheer is the sixth and last submarine of this series, and its crest showcases a thresher shark, an animal known for its distinctive long caudal fin. This fin, which can be as long as the shark itself, is famously used by the thresher shark to whip and stun its prey, a characteristic that metaphorically aligns with the stealth and strike capability of a submarine.

The choice of the thresher shark for the crest of INS Vaghsheer is not merely decorative but symbolic. It embodies the submarine’s intended operational tactics – to approach silently and strike with precision. The thresher shark’s method of hunting, using its elongated tail to incapacitate schools of fish, mirrors the submarine’s stealth in naval warfare, where the element of surprise is crucial.

The discrepancy between the Wikipedia entry, which describes ‘Vaghsheer’ as a sandfish, and the actual depiction on the submarine’s crest as a thresher shark, raises an interesting point about the naming conventions and cultural interpretations of marine life in naval contexts. ‘Vaghsheer’ in local dialects might indeed be associated with various fish or shark species, but the visual representation on INS Vaghsheer leaves no doubt about the intended symbolism.

This choice of emblem serves not only a military purpose but also an educational one, spotlighting lesser-known species like the thresher shark to the broader public. It also reflects the rich marine biodiversity of Indian waters, where thresher sharks are occasionally sighted. By featuring this shark, the Indian Navy also subtly promotes marine conservation awareness, highlighting the unique adaptations of these creatures.