This year’s Republic Day Parade saw a historic display of woman power as, for the first time ever, Major Khusboo Kanwar led an all-women Assam Rifle contingent.
Major Kanwar, aged 30, is the daughter of a bus conductor and hails from Rajasthan. She leads the oldest paramilitary force in the country.
“If I can accomplish this, then any girl can fulfil her dream.”Major Kanwar to India Today
Other women leaders included Lt Ambika Sudhakar, in command of the Indian Navy, and Lt Bhavna Kasturi, who led the Army Services Corps contingent, said Major General Rajpal Punia, second-in-command of the parade.
Another brilliant first-ever performance was the all-women biker Border Security Force (BSF) contingent, where Captain Shikha Surbhi wowed the crowd with daredevil stunts (including a standing salute) on a moving motorcycle.
One contingent of the Air Force and Navy each, contingents of paramilitary forces, Delhi Police, National Cadet Corps and NSS. along with a total of 16 bands. took part in the parade.
The 70th Republic Day Parade was historic also because four veterans of the Indian National Army (INA) – all above 90 years – who fought under Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose against British forces were present as well.
(With inputs from IANS)
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