Historic First: Delhi Police All-Women Unit To Walk Down Kartavya Path

The Delhi Police is all set to create history by showcasing an all-women contingent walking down the Kartavya Path in the Republic Day Parade. This will be the first time such a contingent will participate in the parade. The all-women contingent comprises women police officers from the city force, primarily hailing from Northeast India. IPS officer Shweta K. Sugathan will lead the contingent which will consist of 194 female constables and head constables, a proud moment in Indian history.

Special Commissioner of Police (Armed Unit) Robin Hibu said that this initiative of including an all-women contingent in the January 26 parade is aimed at bridging the gap between women and men in the police force. It is also aimed at showcasing women's skills through cultural programmes. 

In fact, last year, the Defence Ministry of India stated that all the forces, state governments, and departments participating in the Republic Day parade must-have women participants in their contingents, bands, and tableaux.

About women's pipe band marching in the parade

In addition to this, the women's pipe band will also be marching on January 26, 2024. It will be led by a woman officer, Ruyangunuo Kense, as opposed to the last time, when it was led by a male officer, Inspector Rajender Singh. Every year, the women's pipe band plays the Delhi Police song and comprises 135 constables and head constables.

The Delhi Police marching contingent has participated in the Republic Day parade since India became a republic on January 26, 1950. The contingent has gained the position of best marching contingent 15 times, the last time being in 2021. The motto of the Delhi Police marching contingent is "Shanti, Seva aur Nyaya’, meaning “Peace, Service, and Justice”.

Tri-services contingent

First, the tri-services contingent will be led by women officers who will be marching down the Kartavya Path on Republic Day 2024. Speaking about the same, Captain Sharanya Rao of the Indian Army said, "I am the supernumerary officer and will be leading the Army component of the tri-services contingent. It is a proud moment because, for the first time in history, a tri-services contingent would be marching... Since the theme this year is 'Nari Shakti', many women-led contingents are taking part, be it band, tri-service contingent, or MNS contingent, which is participating for the first time."

Another source of pride is that, for the first time, 45 girls from North East India are participating in the National Cadet Corps (NCC) Republic Day Camp of 2024. Aged between 13 and 15 years old, these girls are going to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the North East while depicting the reach of the NCC across the nation. Out of 2,274 cadets participating in the camp, 907 are girls. This is the highest participation of women.