Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (MS)

Mangaluru, Nov 18: The Khaki colour uniform of police was produced for the first time in the world in the city of Mangaluru. Now the colour has suddenly taken the limelight as PM Modi wants police all over India to wear the same coloured uniform.

The first weaving factory of Basel Mission began in 1844 in Mangaluru. Khaki was produced for the first time in 1851. John Hollar, who was incharge of the factory, had invented this colour for the first time. Many people got employment in this factory. The then British Indian Army Commander Lord Roberch had visited the factory and he was spellbound by the elegant Khaki colour. This was introduced as the uniform of the British army world over later.

Dirt is not easily noticeable on Khaki colour. So the British officers decided that it is the best colour for hard work and strainful activity. The British officers in India had written in this regard to the Queen. This was the reason why khaki was given prominence as the colour of uniform of defence forces later as per retired principal of Puttur, Dr Peter Wilson Prabhakar, who did PhD research on the Basel Mission.

Excepting Union Territories and some states, Khaki has remained the colour of police uniform. The Indian Postal department also brought out a stamp on the invention of this uniform.

The Khaki uniform is not limited to the police force alone. Forest department guards, Railway gangmen, home guards, civic workers, fire service personnel, postmen and KSRTC bus drivers and conductors also wear the same.

Even in RSS, Khaki shorts were used till late. Now the colour has been changed to dark brown and trousers have replaced the shorts.

Dr Peter Wilson Prabhakar says, “Khaki uniform of police is the contribution of Mangaluru. During the uniform dress code for police all over the country, this colour should be retained. This colour is the pride of our coastal region. Then only it will remain as a gift to the whole world by this city.”