No gender bias in armed forces, proud to head inter-services guard of honour for President Obama: Wing Commander Pooja Thakur

Wing Commander Pooja Thakur, who became the first female commanding officer of an inter-services Guard of Honour, on Sunday, said that in the defence services, personnel do not discriminate on the basis of gender, and added she was an officer first and a woman second.

Earlier in the day, Wing Commander Thakur commanded the tri-services Guard of Honour given to US President Barack Obama.

"It was a proud moment for the Indian Air Force and for me that I was commanding the inter-services Guard of Honour for President Barack Obama. While it is true that I am the first woman to command the Guard of Honour, I am first and foremost a defence officer. We all receive the same training, whether it is a male or a female officer, and this is ingrained in us right from the training days. Thus, we feel that we are all equal," Wing Commander Thakur told ANI.

She said it would make her very happy if more women get inspired by her to join the forces.

"If someone gets inspired by me and women are encouraged to join the forces, then I will be very happy. It is only in our society, there is a difference between a man and a woman," added Thakur.

President Obama was accorded a ceremonial reception at the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhavan, with a grand welcome ceremony followed by the Guard of Honour. The US President also received a 21-gun salute.

National anthems of both nations were also played to welcome the visiting President.

President Obama, who is the chief guest of this year's Republic Day parade, will be the first U.S. president to attend the Republic Day celebrations.

Obama, who visited India in 2010, will also be the first U.S. president to visit the country twice while in office.