Women marchers in spotlight

At a time when the debate is on to extend combat role to women in the armed forces, their power was in full force at the Republic Day Parade, cutting across three armed branches, the para-military and the National Cadet Crops (NCC), some even leading the contingents.
Showcasing the Troop Level Radar, DRDO made indigenous radars, was Major Neha Singh while the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) contingent comprised 148 women that paid their respect to the President during the Republic Day Parade.
Two all women band contingents of the National Cadets Corps also marched past the Rajpath playing their melodious tunes.

Flt Lfts Shashikala Maitri and Shilpa Bhatla too were a part of the Indian Air Force contingent. The Indian Air Force has decided to induct its first batch of women fighter pilots by 2017.
The contingent of elite Marine Commandos MARCOS of the Indian Navy too comprised three women officers while two Indian Coast Guard Officers---Asst Commandants Ritika Chaudhary and Vishruti Yadav--- participated in the Republic Day Parade.