India celebrated its 75th Republic Day on Friday, during which 1500 women participated in the grand parade. This includes over 260 women personnel of the Central Armed Police Forces (CRPF), Border Security Force (BSF) and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) who enthralled the audience with their daredevil stunts during the motorcycle show.
This year the parade was women-centric and the audience witnessed the maiden participation of an all-women Tri-Service contingent marching down the Kartavya Path.
During the motorcycle display, over 260 women showcased their bravery, valour and determination through varied formations, including Chandrayaan, Sarvatra Suraksha, Abhivadan and Yog Se Siddhi.
The bikers performed some of the most breathtaking and gravity-defying stunts in various formations.
Following this, fifteen women pilots, including six from the fighter streams captivated the audience during the Fly-past, representing ‘Nari Shakti’.
The all-women contingent from tri-services was led by Captain Sandhya of Military Police with 3 supernumerary officers, Capt Shranya Rao, Sub Lt Anshu Yadav and Flt Lt Shrishti Rao. They have actively participated in adventure activities like Sky Diving and Shwet Ashwa Motorcycle Display Team. Since the opening up of women's entry through the Agnipath scheme, 450 Agniveer Vayu in the Air Force, and 1,100 Women Agniveers in Army have completed their training and induction in various trades and branches.
Similarly, for the first time, the NCC contingent was also represented by females with all-girl Tri-Service Marching contingent, which was headed by Senior Under Officer Tanu Tevatia of Uttar Pradesh Directorate. The Girls Marching contingent (Army), comprising 148 cadets, will be led by Senior Under Officer Punnya Ponnamma from Karnataka & Goa Directorate. The NCC band also had an all-girl representation. Meanwhile, 200 female volunteers also formed the National Service Scheme (NSS) contingent.
President Droupadi Murmu began the celebrations of the 75th Republic Day on Friday by unfurling the national flag at Kartavya Path. She arrived at the venue with her French counterpart and chief guest for the parade, Emmanuel Macron.