In a historic first for the Central Reserve Police Force, 26-year-old Assistant Commandant Simran Bala is all set to make history by leading an all-male unit at the 76th Republic Day parade, an unprecedented moment for the force and for women in uniform.
Hailing from Nowshera in Jammu and Kashmir, a village long scarred by relentless Pakistani shelling—Simran’s journey is one of grit and quiet courage.
Growing up amid the sounds of gunfire and explosions, she transformed a childhood shaped by conflict into a story of resilience and determination.
On January 26, she will command a contingent of over 140 male personnel during the ceremonial march, a rare and powerful milestone for the country’s largest paramilitary force and a significant moment for women in uniform across India.
Speaking to NDTV, Bala struggled to articulate the magnitude of the moment, “There’s a feeling like no other. Watching the parade unfold before me, the India Gate standing tall – leading this force on the nation’s biggest day is an honour and a huge responsibility. Can’t put it into words.”
Her achievement has resonated deeply back home. Captain Anil Gour, a retired Army officer from Jammu, described it as a transformative moment.
“It will symbolise a paradigm shift, where barriers crumble and doors swing open for women in uniform to carve their own destinies,” he said.
In the border districts of Rajouri and Poonch, Simran’s feat has sparked new aspirations among young girls.
“Just like Simran, we too want to don the uniform and serve Mother India,” said Geeta Rani, a young girl from Rajouri, echoing the dreams of many in the region.
Simran Bala is also the first woman from her district to join the CRPF as an officer. Her academic and professional journey is equally remarkable. She cracked the UPSC
Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) examination in her very first attempt, securing an impressive 82nd All India Rank among 151 successful candidates, all while managing her college studies.
She was also the only woman candidate from Jammu and Kashmir to clear the exam in May 2023.
As she prepares to lead her contingent on the nation’s most symbolic day, Simran Bala stands not just as an officer in command, but as a beacon of possibility for countless young women across India.
Bala’s milestone also builds upon a legacy of Indian women officers who have, over the years, broken entrenched gender barriers by leading all-male contingents at the Republic Day parade.
From the Indian Army to other uniformed services, women officers have steadily stepped into roles once considered exclusively male, commanding marching units with authority and distinction.
Their presence at the helm of ceremonial contingents has not only challenged traditional norms but also symbolised the evolving ethos of India’s armed forces—one that increasingly recognises leadership beyond gender.
Earlier in 2020, Captain Tania Shergill, an Indian Army officer, led an all-men contingent during the Republic Day Parade in 2020, becoming one of the first women to do so in the armed forces context.
Likewise, Lieutenant Bhavana Kasturi previously led an all-male Army Service Corps (ASC) contingent during the Republic Day parade (rehearsal reported in 2019).
In other years, women officers have also led large male contingents in different branches or units (e.g., Indian Army Corps and Bombay Sappers) during parades where “Nari Shakti” was highlighted.