Women contingent, NCC girl cadets to march in Army Day parade

The Indian Army is set to celebrate its 77th Army Day on January 15 in Pune, marking two significant milestones. For the first time, an all-girl contingent from the National Cadet Corps (NCC) and an all-woman contingent from the Army will participate in the parade.

The Army’s all-woman contingent will comprise other ranks (jawans) and will be led by a woman officer. This initiative follows the Army’s recruitment of women in non-officer ranks in the Corps of Military Police in recent years.

Among other highlights, the parade will feature a band from the Nepal Army and showcase India’s military prowess, heritage and cutting-edge technologies. Advanced innovations, such as robotic multi-utility legged equipment designed to enhance soldiers’ mobility in challenging terrains, will also be on display.

This is the second time the Army Day parade is being held outside the national capital; last year, it took place in Bengaluru. The parade will also be complemented by the ‘Know Your Army’ exhibition, providing the public an interactive experience with soldiers and military equipment.

Army Day commemorates January 15, 1949, when General KM Cariappa became the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army, succeeding General Sir Francis Butcher.