Independence Day 2020: Woman Indian Army Officer Assists PM Modi While Unfurling National Flag

Flag officer Major Shweta Pandey will accompany PM Modi during the flag hoisting ceremony. Major Pandey is an EME (electronics and mechanical engineers) officer from the Indian Army’s 505 base workshop.

Final rehearsal for the upcoming ceremony to celebrate India's Independence Day. (Image: Getty)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was assisted by a woman officer of the Indian Army while he unfurls the national flag on Saturday during the 74th Independence Day celebration at the Red Fort. The information regarding the same was shared in a curtain raiser issued by the Defence Ministry. As per the ministry, flag officer Major Shweta Pandey, assisted PM Modi during the flag hoisting ceremony. Major Pandey is an EME (electronics and mechanical engineers) officer from the Indian Army’s 505 base workshop. According to a Defence ministry statement, the prime minister will also receive the Guard of Honour contingent, consisting of one officer and 24 men each from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Delhi Police.

Curtain Raiser of Independence Day Celebrations - 2020 at Red Fort https://t.co/DjHqAkbtN9 @DefenceMinIndia @rajnathsingh @RajnathSingh_in @IAF_MCC @drajaykumar_ias @indiannavy @adgpi @PIB_India @DRDO_India

— ADG (M&C) DPR (@SpokespersonMoD) August 14, 2020

This is not for the first time that a woman officer will carry out such a role. Even in the past women officers have assisted the Prime Minister and had also led marching contingents during the Republic Day parade. Even in June this year, Major Shweta Pandey carried the Tricolour and led an Indian military contingent at the Victory Day Parade in Moscow in June. The event was also attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. On his arrival at 0718 hours in front of Lahore Gate of Red Fort, PM Modi will be received by the Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar. After inspecting the Guard of Honour, PM Modi will proceed to the ramparts of the Red Fort where he will be greeted by Defence Minister, Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, Chief of Army Staff General M M Naravane, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Karambir Singh and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal R K S Bhadauria. Major Shweta Pandey will assist the Prime Minister in unfurling the National Flag. The unfurling of the tri-colour will synchronise with the 21 Gun Salute fired by the valiant gunners of the elite 2233 Field Battery (Ceremonial), the minister said in its official statement. The PM will deliver his address to the nation after unfurling the flag. After the speech of the prime minister is over, the National Cadet Corps cadets will sing the National Anthem. Army contingent in the prime minister's Guard will be commanded by Major Palvinder Grewal, the Navy contingent by Lt Commander K V R Reddy, while Squadron Leader Vikas Kumar will lead the Air Force contingent and the Delhi Police contingent will be led by Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Jitender Kumar Meena.