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As preparations for 76th Republic Day continue, 26-year-old Assistant Commandant Simran Bala will become the first woman officer to lead an all-male contingent of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) at the parade on January 26 in New Delhi.
PTI quoted officials stating that while there have been instances when women Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) officers commanded various Republic Day contingents, this is the first time that a lady officer will command a party of more than 140 male personnel during the annual national event.
Simran Bala is originally from Nowshera, a border town from Rajouri in Jammu and Kashmir, and is the first female from the district to be a part of country’s largest paramilitary force in the officer rank.
According
to Greater Kashmir, she was the only woman candidate from Jammu and Kashmir to clear the UPSC Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) Examination in May 2023. She secured the 82nd All India Rank.
#WATCH | …”I’m the only girl from J&K to crack this examination this year, I feel very proud and grateful…”: Simran Bala pic.twitter.com/FdYe5eSpuE
— ANI (@ANI) June 11, 2023
She was the only woman candidate from J&K to qualify that year, instantly becoming a role model for young aspirants from the region.
As the country gears up for Republic Day celebrations, Simran Bala’s march on the Kartavya Path will not just be about ceremonial perfection but breaking barriers for the next generation of women in uniform.
