Greater Mumbai Police Band
About Us
Even though the Naigaon Police Headquarter ground was technically well designed best to the knowledge, and was very attractive for police drills, the parades, etc. until and unless the Mumbai Police Department does not have its own band for the parade, the parade cannot be felt complete and satisfactory, was thought and discussed by one of the respected personalities. Due to the government’s economic and financial policies, it was not possible to spend on the police band at that time, so the donators from the respected personalities came forward and made a resolution to avail band instrument and accessories to Mumbai police until the next yearly police ceremonial parade to be held in the month of December. Along with the respected personalities and charitable businessmen, the common people also donated money as per their budget and a well enough fund was collected from which band instruments and accessories were purchased. This is how early in the year 1936 Mumbai City Police got its own first brass band department.
At last the day arise in the 1936 December ceremonial parade respected personalities decided that the Mumbai police band should perform independently. The multi-talented sportsman Governor Lord Brabourne finally permitted the Mumbai Police Band to perform independently in the special yearly ceremonial parade on 18th December 1936 at Naigaon Police ground in Mumbai. The police band performed first time independently in front of the public and showed their extraordinary musical instrument playing skills. The Mumbai Police band received a congratulatory pat on their back for their marvelous performance. During this period in a special program Governor Lord Brabourne specially honored all charitable donator’s with his hands. He also appreciated bandmaster Mr. Gardner and bandsmen for their excellent work. The then the Commissioner of Police, Mumbai Barrister W.R.G. Smith was also thanked by everyone for his special efforts to form a band in Mumbai police. This way Mumbai Police got its Band Department and that’s why 18th December is celebrated as Mumbai Police Band’s Day.
| Sr.No. | Name of Bandmaster | Year |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | C.R.Gardner | 1936-1948 |
| 2 | Carvallo | 1949-1953 |
| 3 | Brite | 1954-1957 |
| 4 | Franco | 1958-1967 |
| 5 | Vijay Shinde | 1968-1974 |
| 6 | Mehboob Khan | 1975-1981 |
| 7 | Samuel Mohite | 1982-1984 |
| 8 | Jerome Rodrigues | 1985-2002 |
| 9 | Rafik Razzak Shaikh | 2003-2005 |
| 10 | Saudan Bhawani Singh | 2006-2018 |
| 11 | Dattatry Laxman Naikdhure(bandmaster) | 2018 |