Nagpur: This Diwali, Nagpur Police personnel have received a festive gift that is distinctly different from the usual sweets and traditional goodies. Instead of the customary rangoli, earthen lamps and packets of Haldiram’s bhujia worth Rs 500 distributed through the staff welfare fund, Police Commissioner Vishwas Nangre Patil has chosen something far more closely connected to the identity of the force, khaki uniform fabric.
In an unprecedented initiative aimed at bringing uniformity across the city police force, Nangre Patil personally reached out to Raymond Chairman Gautam Singhania and facilitated the procurement of 8,500 pieces of premium khaki fabric, ensuring that every police officer and personnel could receive the same quality material.
Each piece measures 3.5 metres and carries an original value of around Rs 1,500. However, through the special bulk purchase arrangement, the fabric was secured for just Rs 500 per piece, making it an affordable yet valuable festive gift for the entire force.
The initiative will benefit all 8,500 police personnel and officers serving in Nagpur, giving them an opportunity to wear uniforms made from identical fabric. Beyond its monetary value, the move is intended to reinforce a sense of equality, discipline and collective identity among members of the force.
Traditionally, the police staff welfare fund has provided festive gifts such as rangoli, diyas and packets of bhujia during Diwali. This year, however, the Police Commissioner has departed from the routine by selecting a gift that has practical utility and symbolic significance in the daily lives of police personnel.
The gesture has given this year’s Diwali celebrations a distinctly different colour. While most households are celebrating with sweets, lights and traditional gifts, Nagpur’s men and women in khaki have a special reason to celebrate, a festive present that reflects their profession, pride and identity.
For Nagpur Police, this Diwali is quite literally dressed in khaki!
