Indian Passport Colour Changing: A Symbol of Unity in Diversity
In a historic move aimed at promoting unity in diversity and celebrating the rich cultural heritage of India, the Ministry of External Affairs announced that the colour of the Indian passport will be changed from its current navy blue to a new shade of saffron. This decision has sparked a wave of discussion and debate across the country, with some hailing it as a bold and progressive step towards showcasing India’s diversity, while others expressing concerns about potential political undertones.
The Indian passport has been traditionally navy blue in colour, in line with the guidelines set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) for passport colours. However, there has been a growing demand from various quarters to change the colour of the Indian passport to something that reflects the vibrant and diverse cultural landscape of the country.
The decision to change the colour of the Indian passport to saffron has been welcomed by many, who see it as a symbolic gesture of unity in diversity. Saffron is a colour that holds deep cultural and religious significance in India, representing courage, sacrifice, and the spirit of renunciation. By choosing saffron as the new colour of the Indian passport, the government aims to showcase the country’s rich cultural heritage and diversity to the world.
Speaking on the decision, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said, “The change in the colour of the Indian passport to saffron is a reflection of our country’s rich cultural heritage and diversity. It symbolizes the unity of our nation and the spirit of inclusivity that defines India. We believe that this change will not only make our passport stand out but also send a strong message of Indian identity and pride to the world.”
The move has been lauded by many political leaders and activists, who see it as a progressive step towards promoting India’s cultural diversity. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi congratulated the government for the decision, calling it a “positive and inclusive move”. Social activist Medha Patkar also welcomed the change, saying, “The new colour of the Indian passport is a reflection of our country’s diverse and pluralistic ethos. It will help in showcasing the true essence of India to the global community.”
However, not everyone is in favour of the decision to change the colour of the Indian passport. Some have raised concerns about potential political undertones behind the move, with critics alleging that the change to a saffron colour could be seen as an attempt to impose a particular cultural and religious identity on the country.
Political commentator Sagarika Ghose expressed her reservations about the decision, stating, “While the intention behind changing the colour of the Indian passport may have been to celebrate India’s cultural diversity, the choice of saffron as the new colour raises questions about the government’s motives. Saffron has strong religious connotations in India, and its selection as the new passport colour could be viewed as a subtle attempt to impose a particular cultural and religious identity on the country.”
Despite the concerns raised by some, the majority of people seem to support the decision to change the colour of the Indian passport to saffron. Many are excited about the new look of the passport and see it as a positive step towards showcasing India’s cultural heritage and diversity.
The Ministry of External Affairs has announced that the new saffron-coloured passports will be issued to Indian citizens from next year onwards. The government has assured that the change in colour will not affect the validity or security features of the passport, and that all existing navy blue passports will remain valid until their expiry date.
The change in the colour of the Indian passport to saffron is a bold and symbolic move that reflects the true essence of India’s unity in diversity. By embracing the rich cultural heritage and diversity of the country, the government aims to send a strong message of Indian identity and pride to the world. The new saffron-coloured passports are set to become a symbol of India’s cultural richness and pluralism, showcasing the country’s unique identity to the global community.
