For the first time, the 75th Republic Day Parade in Delhi will feature a Tri-Service contingent comprising solely women from the Army, Navy, and Air Force marching down the Kartavya Path.
In New Delhi, the 75th Republic Day Parade on January 26 at Kartavya Path will be a women-centric event. For the first time, an all-women Tri-Service contingent from the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force (IAF) will march down the Kartavya Path. French President Emmanuel Macron, the Chief Guest, will witness the parade, which also includes fifteen women pilots of the IAF operating various platforms during the aerial flypast. Flight Lieutenant Ananya Sharma and Flying Officer Asma Sheikh, present on the tableau, express pride in receiving equal opportunities
"Expressing pride in equal opportunities: Women Fighter Pilots in Air Force Republic Day Tableau. This year's Republic Day Parade will showcase fifteen women pilots from the Air Force.
The 75th Republic Day Parade in Delhi on January 26 at Kartavya Path will focus on women, featuring an unprecedented all-women Tri-Service contingent from the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force (IAF) marching for the first time. French President Emmanuel Macron, the Chief Guest, will witness the parade, which includes fifteen women pilots of the IAF operating various platforms during the aerial flypast.
Present on the tableau, Flight Lieutenant Ananya Sharma and Flying Officer Asma Sheikh express their pride in receiving equal opportunities. The theme of the IAF tableau this year is 'Saksham, Sashakt, Atmanirbhar' (Capable, Powerful, and Self-Reliant). According to the Su-30 pilots, the tableau's rear portion will depict 'saksham' (capable) and feature the C-295 transport aircraft, known for its role in Operation Kaveri, evacuating Indians from war-torn Sudan in 2023."
"The central section of the tableau will illustrate 'sashakt' (powerful) and showcase our expanding influence," she mentioned.
Flying Officer Asma Sheikh shared that a total of 55 Agniveer Vayu women would be part of the IAF contingent, including women fighter pilots participating in the flypast.
"We take pride in the equal opportunity provided to women," she stated in an interview with NDTV.
Squadron Leader Rashmi Thakur is set to lead the IAF's marching contingent during the Republic Day parade, accompanied by three women supernumerary officers — Squadron Leader Sumita Yadav, Squadron Leader Pratiti Ahluwalia, and Flight Lieutenant Kirti Rohil.
A total of 51 aircraft of the IAF including 29 fighter jets and 13 helicopters are expected to be part of the Republic Day fly-past.
