Women will take over from men next year’s Republic Day parade: report
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New Delhi: Next year’s Republic Day parade will make a difference featuring only women in all areas from the marching contingents and bands to the tableaux.
The shuffle in arrangement is part of promoting female representation in the military and other sectors, NDTV reported quoting government sources on Sunday.
The government departments are working out to implement the idea after a note was sent in March to the forces and others involved in organizing the annual parade.
The annual parade takes place at the Kartavya Path, formerly known as Rajpath, in central New Delhi on January 26.
‘It has been decided that Republic Day 2024 will have only women participation, including contingents (marching and bands), tableaux and performances during the parade,’ a senior official was quoted as saying.
The decision has been reportedly shared with the ministries of Home Affairs, Culture and Urban Development.
Millions on TV watch India’s Republic Day parade that showcases the country’s military might, cultural diversity and achievements.
The decision for an all-women parade comes as the defence forces and paramilitary units are increasingly choosing women to become contingent commanders and deputy commanders.
Women have already made some marks in the Republic Day parade with featuring an all-women contingent formed from each of the three services marching in the parade in 2015.
Later in 2019, Captain Shikha Surabhi became the first woman to pull off a stunning bike stunt as part of the Army's Daredevils team.
In the following year, Captain Tania Shergill led an all-men contingent and in 2021, Flight Lieutenant Bhawana Kanth became the first woman fighter pilot to take part in the parade.