We often talk about women in the corporate world breaking the glass ceiling – today, we bring you the story of Lieutenant Bhavana Kasturi, a lady officer who is all set to lead a contingent of 144 people on Army Day or Rising Day Parade on January 15, 2019.
The Army Services Corps Contingent will be participating in this parade after 23 years.
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In 2015, on Republic Day, we did witness lady officers from the tri-services leading their contingents with 148 personnel, each drawn from the Army, Air Force and the Navy.
Led by Sub-Inspector Stanzin Noryang, a 28-year-old from Ladakh, the team comprised a diverse mix of bold and daring women from almost all the states in the country. While Punjab led with 20 participants, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, followed with 15, 10, 9, and 8 members, respectively.
Read about that story here.
What is Rising Day?
Field Marshal Kodandera M Cariappa (then Lieutenant General) took over as the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army from General Sir Francis Butcher, the last British Commander-in-Chief, on 15 January 1949. Recognising this, the day is celebrated as ‘Rising Day’ every year.
A day to salute the valiant soldiers who sacrificed their lives to protect the country and its citizens, it is celebrated through parades and other military shows in the national capital as well as in all military headquarters.
This year, on 15 January 2019, Lieutenant Bhavana Kasturi will be leading her contingent.
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Speaking to The Pioneer, she said, “This is the first time ever a lady officer is leading a contingent. Earlier, never a lady officer led a jawans contingent.”
With much effort and practice going into this, she said, “Our center is in Bangalore, and I’m coming from our regimental center, and it’s been six months we are practising.”
In Lt Kasturi’s leading the contingent, we are ushering in change and beginning the New Year armed with the right attitude towards equality in its truest sense.
(Edited by Shruti Singhal)
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