The morning of India’s 77th Republic Day unfolded on Kartavya Path with its usual pageantry — immaculate uniforms, rhythmic boots striking the tarmac, military bands cutting through the winter fog. Yet this year, something felt quietly, decisively different. As the parade progressed, leadership itself appeared to shift shape. Women officers were not just present in ceremonial roles; they were commanding contingents, leading formations, unfurling the Tricolour alongside the President, and front-lining tableaux that spoke of modern warfare, border security and maritime defence. For decades, Republic Day parades have mirrored the evolution of India’s armed forces. In 2025, that reflection was unmistakably sharper. From Air Force to the paramilitary
units and the Coast Guard, women officers stepped into roles once considered exceptional — now performed with calm authority. These moments were not framed as novelty acts; they were presented as earned positions of command, grounded in years of training, discipline and service.
CRPF Assistant Commandant Simran Bala: Commanding the March, Rewriting History
CRPF Assistant Commandant Simran Bala, 26, etched her name into the Republic Day record books. She not just led an all-male contingent of 147 personnel down Kartavya Path but also marched to the CRPF anthem with confidence. Hailing from Rajouri in Jammu and Kashmir, Bala became the first woman from her district to command a full male party at the national parade — and the first female officer to do so in CRPF history. The moment carried layered symbolism: a young officer from a conflict-affected region leading one of India’s largest paramilitary forces at the nation’s foremost ceremonial event.
Flight Lieutenant Akshita Dhankhar
When Indian Air Force' Flight Lieutenant Akshita Dhankhar unfurled the national flag alongside President Droupadi Murmu, it became one of the most powerful moments of the parade. Dhankhar’s journey shows both legacy and aspiration. From her initial days as an NCC cadet to becoming an IAF officer, Dhankhar's path has been shaped by discipline and resolve. Hailing from Haryana, she represents a generation of women for whom the cockpit, command posts and ceremonial frontlines are increasingly familiar territory.
Captain Harshita Yadav: Leading India’s ‘Animal Soldiers’
One of the most talked-about segments of the parade was led by Captain Harshita Yadav — not for its technology or firepower, but for its living heritage. Yadav commanded a rare contingent of animal soldiers, where Bactrian camels and Zanskar ponies marched in disciplined synchrony with troops. These animals, integral to operations in extreme terrains like Ladakh and desert regions, are more than ceremonial participants. Their presence highlighted the enduring bond between India’s armed forces and the animals that support them in logistics and patrol duties. Under Yadav’s leadership, the contingent reminded viewers that modern militaries still rely on time-tested partnerships.
Captain Samira Z Buttar: Four Generations, One Modern Battlefield
Captain Samira Zeenat Buttar, a fourth-generation Army officer from Chandigarh, led the Integrated Operations Centre tableau. The IOC symbolises coordination across land, air, sea, cyber and space domains, reflecting how India’s defence strategy has evolved.
Assistant Commandants Seema Nag and Naveen Kumari: Power in Formation
As the all-women contingents of the CRPF and SSB marched past the saluting base, led by Assistant Commandants Seema Nag and Naveen Kumari, the formation drew prolonged applause. The contingents presented a crisp salute to President Murmu, embodying discipline and collective strength. The visual of two all-women paramilitary units marching in unison showcased how women are central to India’s internal security.
Inspector Shahnaz and Constable Seema Pundir: The Sarvatr Suraksha Front
SSB Inspector Shahnaz, led 18 fellow soldiers, and CRPF Constable Seema Pundir, commanded 11 comrades, headed the Sarvatr Suraksha formation.
Assistant Commandant Nishi Sharma: Guarding the Coastline
The all-women Indian Coast Guard contingent was led by Assistant Commandant Nishi Sharma. She was supported by Assistant Commandants Apurva Gautam Hore, Lakshita and Hardik. Marching under the motto Vayam Rakshamah – We Protect, the team highlighted the Coast Guard’s role in safeguarding India’s vast 11,098-kilometre coastline. Beyond ceremonial splendour, the contingent drew attention to maritime security, search and rescue operations, and environmental protection — areas where women officers are playing an increasingly visible role.
A Parade That Reflected the Present
The 77th Republic Day parade did not announce a revolution; it reflected one already underway. These women officers were not presented as symbols alone, but as professionals in command — trusted with responsibility on the nation’s most visible stage. In doing so, the parade quietly redefined what leadership in uniform looks like today: steady, inclusive, and firmly focused on the future.
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