All-women contingents from all three armed forces marched during the 66th Republic Day Celebrations at Rajpath in New Delhi. (Press Trust of India)
On a damp Delhi morning, with President Barack Obama watching, about 300 women made history for India. In three contingents -one each for the army, air force and navy- they marched as part of the Republic Day parade, dazzling onlookers despite the distinct lack of sunshine.
Wing Commander Sneha Shekewat who led the Indian Air Force said she hopes that where her booted feet marched today, thousands more will follow. "I would be glad and thrilled if seeing us, more and more woman join the forces," she said.
"I have received hundreds of calls after the parade... every one at home is thrilled," said Lieutenant Jaya Kumar who works in Vishakapatnam as a Air Traffic Controller of the Indian Navy.
The theme for today's Republic Day celebrations was "the empowerment of women." Prime Minister Narendra Modi has in several speeches urged the country to educate the girl child, to ensure she is respected and treated as an equal.
Lieutenant Hema S, an observer with the Indian - a person who helps pilots navigate- understands that well. Today, she navigates a naval aircraft; once, she worked for a fast-food outlet in Bangalore and then at a supermart to pay for her education. Her father drove an auto-rickshaw to support her while she studied for the exam that would induct her into the military. "There are difficult phases in life. One has to smile through it it is what you make of a given circumstance that makes all the difference," she told NDTV.