Led by Maj Kanwar, First Ever All-Women Contingent At R-Day Parade

This year’s Republic Day Parade saw Major Khusboo Kanwar lead a historic all-women Assam Rifle contingent.

Devina Buckshee
India
Published:
Major Khusboo leading the Assam Rifle contingent 
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Major Khusboo leading the Assam Rifle contingent 
(Photo: Youtube screengrab)

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This year’s Republic Day Parade saw a historic display of woman power as, for the first time ever, Major Khusboo Kanwar led an all-women Assam Rifle contingent.

Major Kanwar, aged 30, is the daughter of a bus conductor and hails from Rajasthan. She leads the oldest paramilitary force in the country.

“If I can accomplish this, then any girl can fulfil her dream.”
Major Kanwar to <a href="https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/assam-rifles-all-woman-major-khushboo-daughter-bus-conductor-1439914-2019-01-26">India Today</a>

Other women leaders included Lt Ambika Sudhakar, in command of the Indian Navy, and Lt Bhavna Kasturi, who led the Army Services Corps contingent, said Major General Rajpal Punia, second-in-command of the parade.

Another brilliant first-ever performance was the all-women biker Border Security Force (BSF) contingent, where Captain Shikha Surbhi wowed the crowd with daredevil stunts (including a standing salute) on a moving motorcycle.

One contingent of the Air Force and Navy each, contingents of paramilitary forces, Delhi Police, National Cadet Corps and NSS. along with a total of 16 bands. took part in the parade.

The 70th Republic Day Parade was historic also because four veterans of the Indian National Army (INA) – all above 90 years – who fought under Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose against British forces were present as well.

(With inputs from IANS)

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