<p>New Delhi: A 149-member strong contingent of the Bombay Sappers will participate in the Republic Day Parade this year, returning to the Kartavya Path after two decades with a woman leading the all-men team on their march on January 26.</p>.<p>Ruchi Yadav, who is the leader of the contingent as a commander, said last time they participated was in 2004 "and we are back after 20 years."</p>.<p>"It is a matter of great pride for me that I have the opportunity to lead my all-men team. I am the only female member of the contingent and this is also for the first time in the history of Bombay Sappers that a woman is leading their team in the Republic Day Parade," she told <em>PTI</em>.</p>.In a first, Army couple set to march down Kartavya Path in Republic Day parade.<p>Yadav said they are miners whose job is to lay mines for the enemy and remove them when required to ensure a safe passage for own soldiers.</p> <p>"It is a golden opportunity for us to showcase our talent and prove our mettle here. I am leading a team of two commissioned officers and 146 members from different ranks," Yadav, whose native place is Bhopal but who is currently posted in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, said.</p>.<p>Yadav also said that the team practised for six months at their respective centres before coming to Delhi in early December to ace the march.</p>.<p>"When the entire nation is giving so much importance to women empowerment, I believe that the opportunity that I have got will inspire and motivate many other women in the country," Yadav added.</p>
<p>New Delhi: A 149-member strong contingent of the Bombay Sappers will participate in the Republic Day Parade this year, returning to the Kartavya Path after two decades with a woman leading the all-men team on their march on January 26.</p>.<p>Ruchi Yadav, who is the leader of the contingent as a commander, said last time they participated was in 2004 "and we are back after 20 years."</p>.<p>"It is a matter of great pride for me that I have the opportunity to lead my all-men team. I am the only female member of the contingent and this is also for the first time in the history of Bombay Sappers that a woman is leading their team in the Republic Day Parade," she told <em>PTI</em>.</p>.In a first, Army couple set to march down Kartavya Path in Republic Day parade.<p>Yadav said they are miners whose job is to lay mines for the enemy and remove them when required to ensure a safe passage for own soldiers.</p> <p>"It is a golden opportunity for us to showcase our talent and prove our mettle here. I am leading a team of two commissioned officers and 146 members from different ranks," Yadav, whose native place is Bhopal but who is currently posted in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, said.</p>.<p>Yadav also said that the team practised for six months at their respective centres before coming to Delhi in early December to ace the march.</p>.<p>"When the entire nation is giving so much importance to women empowerment, I believe that the opportunity that I have got will inspire and motivate many other women in the country," Yadav added.</p>