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Buglers in Delhi Police band keep British-era tradition alive

Apart from playing the instrument, we also need to make sure that our uniform is crisp: Nitin Sharma

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Buglers play an essential role in shaping up of newly inducted police officers
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In 2000, Head Constable Radhey Shyam, one of the first batch of buglers to be inducted in the Delhi Police band, had landed the position after 17 years of rigorous practice. Understandably, for the grand tradition that began during the British era has been going on uninterrupted since then, and is a matter of pride for the department.

The buglers might not be visible on the streets patrolling or at police stations but they play an essential role in shaping up of newly inducted police officers. From playing the bugle as an alarm clock to wake up the personnel to warning about tragedies and meal timings, the buglers have multiple roles to play.

Shedding light on the history of the tradition, DCP Kamla Meena said the Delhi Police band was launched in 1936 by JA Scott, the then SSP of Delhi. The initial strength of the band was two head constables and 27 constables, drawn from the Armed Reserve. They were accommodated at the New Delhi police station.

These men were so trained as to be available for armed police duties during emergencies. In 1950, it was ordered that the band would play approved English tunes. Only those Indian tunes that were allowed by the SSP were played.

Earlier, the buglers were a part of the same band as that of the paramilitary forces. Only much later, by 2000, the Delhi Police started indicting them separately. Head Constables Shyam and Nitin Sharma were also inducted in the same year. Shyam, whose elder brother used to play harmonium, practised for years to earn a place as a bugler with the Delhi Police.

"Apart from playing the instrument, we also need to make sure that our uniform is crisp. Once we wear the uniform, we can't sit as the crease will be spoiled," Nitin said. He hails from a family of police officers, including his grandmother and father, who have also been a part of the band.

As of now, the Delhi Police have 50 buglers. Assistant Sub-Inspector Satya Prakash, who is in-charge of the buglers, was inducted in 1986. "The buglers need to be ready and up before anyone else. They play during the fall-in of officers, physical training time, parade, mess call, retreat, and on occasions when an officer passes away, and general salute," an officer said.

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