A proposal for an all-women marching and band contingent for the ceremonial event to be hosted at Kartavya Path is now being worked on, according to the agencies organising for the 2024 Republic Day Parade. According to the Defence Ministry, an office note has been distributed to the department engaged in the preparation.The memorandum noted that such a proposal was being taken into consideration and underlined that the “de-briefing meeting” had taken place earlier in February under the chairmanship of the Defence secretary.According to the memorandum, it has been determined that only women would take part in the contingents (marching and band), tableaux, and other performances during the Republic Day Parade at the Kartavya Path in 2024. In recent years, a few all-female contingents and female officers, including those commanding military contingents made up of men, have participated in the yearly march on Rajpath (now Kartavya Path).This year India celebrated its 74th Republic Day and also showcased its military might and vibrant cultural heritage during the parade, with Nari Shakti being a dominant theme. Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Tripura were dominating the theme of Nari Shakti in the 2023 Republic Day Parada. Notably, in the recent year, it is seen that the government is pushing for a larger role of women in every field.The Indian Air Force marching contingent of 144 air warriors was led by a women officer at the 2023 parade.The Irwin Stadium, now known as Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, hosted the first Republic Day celebrations in 1950, and Rajpath has been the site of the official procession ever since.Every year, a variety of states and Union Territories, as well as several departments and ministries, display culture and heritage among other subjects through vibrant tableaux.It is for the first time that five women officers of the Indian Army inducted into its Regiment of Artillery.This year, in 2023, the tableaux of Uttarakhand won the first prize as they showcased the wildlife and religious sites of the state at the Kartavya Path.Women TA officers along LoCAccording to a statement made by Rajnath Singh of the Defence Ministry, the Indian Defence Minister has given his approval for the posting of female officers to the Engineer Regiments of the Territorial Army (TA) along the Line of Control (LoC) and as staff officers at the TA Group Headquarters/Directorate General of Territorial Army in New Delhi.TA oil sector units, TA railway engineer regiment, and ecological task force units started commissioning women officers in 2019. The statement said, “It has been decided to expand the scope of further employment for women officers in TA based on the experience gained during this period.”The TA is based on a citizen soldiers army concept and for this, officers go through annual training which is based on military skills.Notably, female officers have traditionally played an important role in and led contingents in Republic Day parades. This year, female Agniveer who were still in training joined the Naval contingent for the first time.Republic Day HistoryIndia gained its independence on August 15, 1947, but on January 26, 1950, with the adoption of the Constitution, it proclaimed itself to be a sovereign, democratic, and republic state.The historic founding of the Indian Republic was announced on January 26 with a salute of 21 guns and the raising of the Indian National Flag by Dr Rajendra Prasad. After that, January 26 was declared a national holiday and declared Indias Republic Day.The Indian Constitution established democracy by granting everyone the right to select their government. At Government Houses Durbar Hall, Dr Rajendra Prasad took the oath of office as Indias first president. A five-mile presidential drive then took place.
