Republic Day Parade: For the First Time, Women Agniveers to Join IAF Band, 144 Airmen to March Along

For the first time in history, nine women Agniveers will join the Indian Air Force (IAF) band at the 77th Republic Day Parade, marching on Rajpath while playing their musical instruments. The IAF announced the historic inclusion at a press briefing on Thursday.

Presidential Flag Hoisting
Flight Lieutenant Akshita Dhankhar will assist President Draupadi Murmu in hoisting the national flag ahead of the formal parade on 26 January.

Marching Contingent
Behind the IAF band, a 144-member marching contingent led by Sergeant Charles Antony Daniel will march, under the command of Squadron Leader Jagdish Kumar. Squadron Leader Nikita Chaudhary, Flight Lieutenant Prakhar Chandrakar, and Flight Lieutenant Dinesh Murli will serve as additional officers in the Air Force contingent.

Flypast in Two Phases
The parade will feature a flypast of 29 aircraft in two phases: 16 fighter jets, 4 transport aircraft, and 9 helicopters. The first four formations will fly during the parade, while the remaining four will follow after the parade concludes. One formation will honor the success of Operation Sindur conducted last May.

IAF Band Composition
The 75-member IAF band will include 66 Agniveers, among whom nine are women participating for the first time. Squadron Leader Kumar, originally from Tamil Nadu, expressed pride in representing her service on Rajpath, sharing the challenges of training in Delhi’s cold winter mornings. She is the first in her family to join the armed forces.

Squadron Leader Chaudhary, a fighter controller, is also participating in her first formal parade. She said, “Being part of the IAF team is an honor, especially knowing the crucial role we play in wartime.”

Practice and Performance
Training begins around 4 AM, lasting 7–8 hours, ensuring precision and coordination. Before reaching the saluting dais, the IAF band will perform popular tunes including ‘Nidar Yoddha’ and ‘Sare Jahan Se Achha’, followed by ‘Ladakoo’ after crossing the dais.

Excited Young Agniveer
Nineteen-year-old Agniveer Surabhi Sharma from Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, who plays the saxophone, expressed her excitement: “Being part of this prestigious parade is a unique honor and a symbol of India’s pride.”

The inclusion of women Agniveers in the IAF band marks a historic milestone, reflecting the growing role of women in India’s armed forces and the nation’s celebrations of courage and excellence.