New Delhi, Jan 20:
In a moment of pride for Jammu and Kashmir and the nation, 26-year-old Assistant Commandant Simran Bala from Nowshera in Rajouri district is set to create history by leading an all-male contingent of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) at the 76th Republic Day Parade in New Delhi on January 26.
As preparations for the national event gather momentum, Simran Bala will become the first woman officer to command a CRPF contingent comprising more than 140 male personnel during the prestigious parade. Officials quoted by PTI said that while women officers have earlier led Republic Day contingents, this will be the first instance of a woman officer leading a fully male CRPF unit at the annual celebration.
Originally hailing from the border town of Nowshera, Simran Bala is also the first woman from Rajouri district to join the country’s largest paramilitary force at the officer rank. Her achievement is being hailed as a major milestone, particularly for young women aspiring to serve in uniformed services.
According to reports, Simran Bala was the only woman candidate from Jammu and Kashmir to clear the Union Public Service Commission’s Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) examination in May 2023. She secured an impressive 82nd All India Rank, marking her entry into the CRPF.
Her leadership role at the Republic Day Parade is being seen as a powerful symbol of breaking gender barriers within the armed forces and is expected to inspire a new generation of women officers across the country.
The 76th Republic Day celebrations will witness contingents from the armed forces and central armed police forces showcasing discipline, strength and unity, with Simran Bala’s historic command standing out as a landmark moment in India’s journey towards greater gender inclusivity in uniformed services.
