Hyderabad: Marking its 77th Raising Day, also celebrated as ‘IPS Day’, the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA) in Hyderabad paid a heartfelt tribute to the rich legacy of the Indian Police Service (IPS) on Monday. The academy reached out to H.M. Joshi, the only surviving officer from the very first IPS batch of 1948, making the event deeply symbolic and historically significant.
Only Survivor of First IPS Batch, H.M. Joshi, Sends Message to Academy
In a rare and emotional moment, H.M. Joshi, now in his late 90s, shared a brief but powerful message with the IPS fraternity:
“I wish all the IPS officers of the country a happy 77th anniversary. Keep the flag flying high.”
The initiative to connect with Mr. Joshi was coordinated by Rajgopal, a 1965-batch IPS officer and former NPA director, ensuring that the young officers in training remain rooted in the legacy of their predecessors.
77 Years of Indian Police Service. On this day in 1948, it came to existence.
— SVPNPA (@svpnpahyd) September 15, 2025
Central police training college was initially established on 15th September 1948, in Mount Abu, Rajasthan. pic.twitter.com/PJqVB2qDio
Tribute to 1949-Batch Veteran IPS Officer JS Bajwa
The academy also sought blessings from JS Bajwa, a 1949-batch IPS officer from the Punjab cadre, who is set to celebrate his 100th birthday in February 2026. Bajwa, like Joshi, stands as a living bridge between the early days of the IPS and the present generation.
A Look Back: 76 Years of the Indian Police Service
The Indian Police Service (IPS) was formally established in 1948, replacing the colonial-era Indian Imperial Police. The first IPS batch trained at the Central Police Training College in Mount Abu, Rajasthan, which was set up on September 15, 1948.
Evolution of the Academy:
- 1948: Central Police Training College established in Mount Abu.
- 1967: Renamed as the National Police Academy to reflect its pan-India training responsibilities.
- 1974: Renamed to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy, honoring India’s first Home Minister.
- 1975: Relocated to Hyderabad, where it now boasts world-class training facilities for IPS probationers and senior officers.
Legacy Meets Future: Connecting Generations of IPS Officers
The 77th Raising Day celebrations served not just as a commemoration of the past, but also as a message of continuity and resilience. By connecting with H.M. Joshi and JS Bajwa, the academy reaffirmed the values of integrity, service, and commitment that the IPS was built upon.
Officers at the academy and across the country observed the day with pride, remembering the foundations laid more than seven decades ago.
