Simran Bala, 26, to lead all-male contingent during ceremonial march on Republic Day
PTC News Desk: As India gears to celebrate 77th Republic Day, a moment is all set to take the centre stage and script history. Assistant Commandant Simran Bala, just 26, will become the first woman officer to lead an all-male contingent of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) at the Republic Day Parade on January 26 in New Delhi.
Simran will command over 140 male personnel during the ceremonial march at the Kartavya Path, becoming first woman in the history to lead an all-male contingent and script a rare and powerful milestone for the country's largest paramilitary force and for woman in uniform across India.
Resident of Jammu and Kashmir's Nowshera, Simran's journey is a testament of determination and quite resilience. She is the first woman to joinng CRPF as an officer.
Simran Bala’s selection to lead an all-male contingent followed her standout performance during the rigorous Republic Day parade rehearsals, which drew the attention of senior officers. Her confidence, drill accuracy and firm command over the unit distinguished her from her peers, earning her the honour of leading the CRPF contingent on January 26.
For the force, the decision underscores an evolving ethos in which leadership is judged solely on merit. For spectators lining Kartavya Path, the sight will carry a strong message — a young woman officer leading from the front and setting a new standard for representation within the armed forces.
As the country prepares for Republic Day celebrations, Simran Bala’s march will go beyond ceremonial precision. It will represent a subtle yet significant shift, marking the breaking of barriers, the claiming of historic firsts, and the opening of new avenues for the next generation of women in uniform.
- With inputs from agencies
