US President Barack Obama, the chief guest at this year's Republic Day parade will be witness to a first for the armed forces, all-women marching contingents.
According to sources quoted in Times of India, "The orders came from the top since PM Narendra Modi was keen on women empowerment and 'Naari Shakti' as the main theme for the parade. Women officers, with proper turnout, drill standards and fit enough for the 10-km march, have been pulled out from different stations across the country."
While women have been allowed to join the armed forces since the early-1990s, they only form a very minor section with the Air Force having the highest number at 1,350. The Army is second with 1.300 while the Navy only has 350 women officers serving in its ranks. In the past women officers have led the contingents of the forces.
The contingents which will be 148 strong will comprise of 144 in the marching block, three platoon commanders and one contingent leader.
Published 09 January 2015, 06:46 IST