Haryana joins ‘elite’ club of states

CHANDIGARH: With the Haryana Police being presented the prestigious President’s Colour on Tuesday in recognition of its exceptional services, both the young states of Haryana and Himachal Pradesh, that had attained statehood after separation from Punjab, have joined the “elites” club along with their parental force — Punjab Police.
The Punjab police, which came into existence more than 160 years back and had received the President’s Colour in March 1992 from then Union home minister S B Chavan. Firebrand IPS K P S Gill was the state police chief at that time.
With this decoration, which is largely acknowledged in the armed forces, Haryana has entered the group of very few states that have got this award till date. The President’s Colour is a symbol of excellence and has been earned by organisations with their dedication and contribution. It marks and depicts the hard work, valour and sacrifice of all the personnel serving in the recipient organization.
The President’s Colour is actually a special flag with a golden border. The flag has a golden border, with the symbol of police force in the centre featuring its motto. The tradition of carrying colours or ‘Nishan’ finds its roots in ancient times when the armies of kings or emperors used to carry the ‘Dhwaj’. Losing ‘Nishan’ or ‘Dhwaj’ was considered disgraceful. While the practice of carrying the ‘Dhwaj’ or ‘Nishan’ has stopped, the tradition of receiving, holding and parading the Colour still continues in the forces. During the British rule in India, the regiments used to carry the Colour of the British Crown. However, after independence, it was replaced with the President’s Colours. Mumbai Police Commissionerate has the distinction of getting the President’s Colour in 1954.