The parade will also feature a massive flypast by 29 aircraft, including 16 fighters and 9 helicopters.
IAF’s Historic Move: Women Agniveers to March in R-Day Band for the First Time
In a historic first for the Indian Air Force (IAF), nine women Agniveers will be part of the band contingent marching down Kartavya Path during the 77th Republic Day Parade. Air Commodore Imran H. Zaidi, from the Directorate of Ceremonial at Air Headquarters, confirmed that the 75-member IAF band will consist of 66 Agniveers, including these nine pioneering women.
According to IAF, Flight Lieutenant Akshita Dhankar will have the honour of unfurling the National Flag alongside President Droupadi Murmu during the ceremonial parade on January 26.
The IAF marching contingent, comprising 144 members, will be led by Squadron Leader Jagdesh Kumar. Sqn Ldr Kumar shared that the team practices from 4 AM in Delhi’s biting cold to ensure perfect synchronisation.
Among the band members, 19-year-old Agniveer Surabhi Sharma from Mathura expressed it is a "singular honour" to play the saxophone at the iconic event.
The parade will also feature a massive flypast by 29 aircraft, including 16 fighters and 9 helicopters. An official said that a special "Spearhead" formation will be executed to mark the success of "Operation Sindoor" conducted last May. The overarching theme for this year's parade is the sesquicentenary of 'Vande Mataram'.
Source: The Tribune
