Officer first, woman second: Wing Commander Pooja Thakur

First we are officers, then women says Wing Commander Pooja Thakur who led the Guard of Honour today for President Barack Obama at Rashtrapati Bhawan. She became the first female officer of the Air Force who led the Guard of Honour. Thakur's moment of pride came as 'nari shakti' (woman power) is the theme for Republic Day parade this year where Obama is the chief guest.

It was only about two days ago that Thakur got the confirmation that she was the chosen one to escort US President Obama. "I was excited that time. And then as we got closer to the day, I started getting a little nervous. You have to make sure you have to put up a great performance and set up great standards, to be able to give the right command, to be able to lead the men behind you, and to present the right kind of high-standard Guard of Honour to the visiting dignitary," said Thakur in an interview with NDTV.

With 13-and-a-half years of service experience, the officer is currently posted in the publicity cell of the Indian Air Force in New Delhi, and previously served in Chandigarh and Gorakhpur.

She wears the history-making moment of being the first woman to lead an Inter-Services Guard of Honour with grace. "The message it sends is that we all are equal. In the Indian Air Force, men and women receive the same training. It is not a job, but a way of life," says the officer in a chat with Rediff.