Hong Kong’s first Sikh policeman in decades plans to continue his family’s legacy of service, following in the footsteps of his great-grandfather, who recruited officers of the faith during the colonial era.

Palvinderjit Singh, 27, who was born in Hong Kong , was among new graduates who became constables and probationary inspectors on Saturday.

“As I grew up, I heard a lot of stories about my great-grandfather. He was responsible for recruiting the initial batch of Sikh police recruits, so I wanted to continue this legacy,” he said.

Singh said he would be allowed to don a blue turban with the force’s insignia in lieu of a police hat at work. He would also be allowed to wear a metal bangle, which is a symbol of his faith, and keep a beard.

Sikh Indians were recruited to Hong Kong’s police force from as early as the 1860s. They were allowed to retain their turban without the need to wear a police hat during their service.

Hong Kong stopped recruiting Indian and Pakistani officers from abroad in 1961, according to the website of the Police Museum.