Shouldering history: Vizianagaram entrepreneur collects ‘patches of pride’
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Entrepreneur Kapuganti Ravi showing his collection of patches. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Kapuganti Ravi has an unusual hobby for a business owner—collecting police arm patches from across the globe. The former Vizianagaram Rotary Club president has an extensive collection of 480 specialised patches spanning police forces, fire safety units, and security organisations from India and abroad.
Mr. Ravi, 58, has received many national and State awards for collecting rare currency notes, stamps, phone cards, among others since 1979. He has proved that age is not a barrier to pursuing hobbies.
Mr. Ravi got the idea of collecting police patches during COVID-19 pandemic when he had ample time due to restrictions imposed on the movement of people. He started collecting them through his pen friends in the U.S.A., Canada, Britain, Italy, France, Germany and other countries.
The patches reflect clear identification of the agencies and logos. The patches are not mere uniform accessories. They are symbols of pride, history, and community of the respective regions and countries. Every police agency has its history with regard to patches. For instance, the New York City Police Department adopted a shoulder patch on July 1, 1971 and it reflected equal justice for everyone, he says.
Colours, shapes, and icons are carefully chosen to reflect the department’s value. Elements such as eagles, stars or city landmarks are included to emphasise strength, unity or local pride.
“For instance, the Chicago Police Department’s patch was incorporated with blue and gold to symbolise trust and honour, apart from highlighting the heritage of the city. Many companies, such as Dutch Label Shop, are giving top priority to the fabrication of modern and eco-friendly patches in accordance with the suggestions of the respective police and other departments,” says Mr. Ravi, adding that features like RFID tags are also added to those patches these days.
“Commoners can easily know the department’s identification, with the patches attached to the shoulders of the personnel. The rank of police personnel can be understood easily within the administration, courts and other places. Its history needs to be known to the younger generation. That is why I have adopted this rare hobby,” says Mr. Ravi.
Mr. Ravi won a bronze medal at India National Philatelic Exhibition, Andhra Pradesh Philately Exhibition 30 years ago. He is currently holding numismatic exhibitions and guiding children to adopt innovative hobbies.
Mr. Ravi, an engineer by profession, has previously worked in Singapore and started his own firm in Vizianagaram a decade ago.
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