Top 10 'Naari Shakti' moments from today's Republic Day Parade

India’s 66th Republic Day celebrations this year was an exceptional event. Not only did the country host US President Barack Obama and his wife Michele Obama; but also because, this year’s theme was ‘Naari Shakti’ or Women Power. Here are the top 10 Women-Power moments from the Republic Day Parade at Rajpath today.

1. The biggest highlight of the parade this year was seeing Captain Divya Ajith leading India’s first all-women army contingent. As she walked Rajpath, with other women; Indian Human Resource Development Minister, Smriti Zubin Irani, stood up from her seat and applauded her.

Capt. Divya Ajith

Picture By: India Times

2. Promoting women in different fields, Khushboo Narayan Joshi from Maharashtra, led young cadets from the NCC (National Cadet Corps) camp.

3. The Ministry of women and child development’ s Tableau, themed ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao,’ showcased women working in different fields and celebrated the birth of daughters in families.

4. Nari Shakti was prevalent throughout the show as 3 young girls received the Bravery Awards for showing courage and presence of mind in the face of grave danger- Gunjan Sharma, Ria Chaudhry and Late Kumari Manisha.

5. After Capt. Divya Ajit, the parade showcased Lieutenant Commander Sandhya Chauhan leading R-Day's Navy contingent.

6. Capt. Urvashi of 114 Armoured Engineer Regiment, commanded a T-72 tank and proved that women can just be as competent as men in combat roles.

7. This is the first time in the history of the country that 148 women - one contingent commander, three platoon commanders and 144 in the marching block, marched at the parade.

8. Wing commander Puja Thakur of the Indian Air Force led the guard of honour in the Raj Bhavan this year. She is the first woman officer to lead a tri-services Guard of Honour.

Puja Thakur

Picture By: Indian Express

9. The Republic Day Celebrations also witnessed the group of women who courageously climbed Mount Everest last year: Chandni Mishra, Smriti Jha and Major Neha.

10.The event ended with young female students from schools all across the country dancing to songs based on themes like the ‘Swachh Bharat Abhyan’ and ‘Mangalyan.’

Deccan Chronicle >