Palakkad (Kerala): In 2004, a wide-eyed little boy reached out to touch his father’s police cap during a passing-out parade, a candid moment of curiosity captured by newspapers at the time. Two decades later, that same boy hasn’t just touched the cap—he has earned the right to wear it.

Advait, a native of Elavanchery Kottayankad in Kollengode here, has finally realised his childhood dream of donning the khaki uniform. On Tuesday, during the police constables' passing-out parade in Thrissur, Advait officially joined the ranks of the Kerala Police. For his father, R Ashokan—currently the Assistant Commissioner of Kochi City Traffic Police—it was a moment of profound pride.

The highlight of the ceremony came when Advait, now a police officer himself, stood tall in his uniform and offered his very first official salute to his father. The heartwarming exchange caught the attention of fellow officers and onlookers alike.

Advait, son of Ashokan and Shajimol, a teacher at Panangattiri AUP School, has always been fascinated by technical subjects. He joins the force as a Mechanic Police Constable, bridging his passion for engineering with his legacy of service.