- The Governor General of Canada
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Ramanbir Singh Nayyar
Vancouver, British Columbia
Grant of Arms, Flag and Badges
November 15, 2022
Vol. VIII, p. 132
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Gules five torches enflamed bases inward, on a pile reversed Or a Canadian horse’s head couped Sable;
Crest
A dastar affronty Or charged with a ram’s horn Sable and issuant from a coronet of khanda swords in saltire Gules;
Motto
STAND FEARLESS AND SERENE;
Flag
Or a pile reversed Gules, overall a roundel of the Arms;
Badge
Two Steller’s jay feathers in saltire proper surmounted by a tiger’s face ensigned by a ram’s horn Or;
Badge
Two snow goose feathers in saltire proper surmounted by a Canadian horse courant ensigned by a ram’s horn Sable;
Symbolism
Arms
Gold stands for saffron, an emblematic colour of India, Mr. Nayyar’s birthplace. Red represents Canada, where he immigrated to as a child. The triangle evokes the Rocky Mountains of British Columbia, his home province. Its curved base alludes to a shuttlecock, and, thus, to his career in badminton. As a symbol of enlightenment, the torch refers to his lifelong dedication to teaching. As a symbol of the Olympics, it indicates that he has been head coach for the Canadian Badminton Team. The multiplicity of torches represents the many young athletes he has helped to shape, while the flames symbolize the passion that inspires athletes and teachers alike. The Canadian horse embodies the melding of Mr. Nayyar’s Canadian and Indian heritage, since this breed is Canada’s national horse and a horse figures on the emblem used by his family in India.
Crest
The turban and the khanda represent Mr. Nayyar’s faith, Sikhism. The two crossed khandas are taken from his family emblem. The crown refers to the public role played by his ancestors in India. The ram’s horn alludes to his love of music and to the diminutive name by which he is best known, Ram.
Motto
This phrase highlights Mr. Nayyar’s ability to find serenity in chaotic situations and to convey it to others in crisis.
Flag
The circle alludes to the kara, the bracelet worn by Sikhs to remind them that God is infinite. For Mr. Nayyar, it also symbolizes equality and fulfilment. The other elements repeat the symbolism of the Arms.
Badge
The blue quills represent Mr. Nayyar’s home province, British Columbia, as the Steller’s jay is the provincial bird. The tiger is taken from the emblem used by his family in India and commemorates the story of his great-grandfather who survived a tiger attack. The horn repeats the symbolism of the Crest.
Badge
The snow goose quills represent Mr. Nayyar’s love of writing. As feathers were traditionally used in the making of shuttlecocks, they also allude to his career in badminton. The cantering horse embodies strength, speed and endurance, highlighting his love of sports and travel. The horn repeats the symbolism of the Crest.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on January 1, 1900, in Volume 0, page 0 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of Fabienne Fusade, Miramichi Herald, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.
Painter
Debra MacGarvie
Calligrapher
Kathy Feig
Recipient Information
Individual