Award for Patel

Among the three awardees to receive the first Jeevan Paruskar at the Veer Savarkar Hall in Shivaji Park, Bombay on December 23, 2015 was Sam Darabshah Patel, retired assistant commissioner of police. The others were S. S. Jog, retired director general of police and Dilip Patil, assistant sub-inspector from Nasik, notes a write-up sent to Parsiana. The award has been instituted to honor retired police personnel for distinguished service, loyalty and honesty by Arvind Inamdar, former director general of police, through the Arvind Inamdar Foundation, Bombay.

Sam Patel receiving award from Ratan Tata

Sam and Daisy Patel

Presented by chairman emeritus of Tatas, Ratan Tata, the awards comprise a memento depicting a police officer presenting arms in salute to all higher officers, a plaque, the Police Jeevan Gaurav medal and cash. Also present on the occasion were Pravin Dixit, director general of police, Maharashtra state and Ahmed Javed, commissioner of police, Bombay.
In his acceptance speech Patel expressed his delight at being chosen for the first award and appreciated the fact that retired police personnel were being recognized. "Hardly anybody remembers us or recognizes our services once we have retired… they do not know what hardships we faced while serving the common man during our stint with the police department (regardless of) personal safety and at the risk of our life while facing dreaded gangsters.”
Acknowledging the unflinching love and support of his wife Daisy, Patel mentioned that he was at present a trustee of the P. A. Patel Fire Temple in Andheri and also an elected delegate for the Parsi Chief Matrimonial Court, Bombay High Court since 2002 to 2012 and re-elected for another 10-year term until 2022.