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| Wing Commander Pooja Thakur, the First Lady Officer to command The Guard of Honour |
The 66th
Republic Day fashioned a day in Indian history that’s going to remind people of a Revolution where our country
witnessed power, strength, might, valour, grace, justice, elegance and beauty
all at the same time. My chest swells with pride when I say that the “Women
Power” was showcased in every aspect throughout the Parade....The marching
contingents...the unfurling of the Flag and yea the dearest First Lady sitting
quietly, yet gracefully and witnessing and absorbing every facet of the event. Our
Republic Day Parades have always been about the exhibition of our military
power, our might, our diverse culture and tradition throughout, we have always
displayed our beauty and diversity with incessant and interminable allure; however the Recent Republic Day was one step ahead to refinement.
I am a Military Brat and my
Dad had taken part in the 46th Republic Day Parade (exactly 20 years
back) where he led the Naval Contingent as a Naval Officer. So, Republic Day
parades always hold a special position in my heart because I know that every
soul who is out there displaying a certain aspect about my country is
representing India, representing us and demonstrating what each one of us feel
about our country. I had always wondered out loud- why can’t women participate
in a Day like this? This Day belongs to them as much as it belongs to the men
after all we had so many women involved in SHAPING THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA!!-
Sarojini Naidu, Renuka Ray, Purnima Banerjee, Begum Aiza Rasul and lots more...
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| Lieutenant Haobam Bella Devi unfurls the flag |
Armed forces which was
primarily a male-dominated area, today boasts proudly of having young and confident
women who in many instances have even outdone their male counterparts. In 1992(
under the Women Speial Entry Scheme) when certain doors in the Armed Forces were
thrown open for women, they grabbed
the opportunity and tried to establish themselves in the fields of Aviation, Engineering, Law and Logistics. Even then, they were not completely accepted in
this new Domain. There was no equality or justice. The women just existed
for namesake. The women don't enjoy permanent commission in the Armed
Forces. Permanent Commission refers to a career in Armed Forces till one
retires. currently the women serve as Short Service Commissioned officers where they
can only serve for a period from 5-15 years. On retirement they are entitled to
certain benefits as ex-servicemen but they are not eligible for pension. So in
2003, a group of women officers filed a petition in order to avail permanent commission.
The issue is still under sub judice with the Supreme Court.
However, post the elegant
display of the women power and valour in the 66th Republic Day
Parade, my respect and love towards our Armed Forces have grown exponentially. I
can see we have taken the most effective step by letting the people know that
the Marching Ground looks highly beautiful with the addition of the Beautiful
Gender of our country marching across and the unfurling of the flag
looks ever graceful when performed by a lady. This step will widen many horizons
and will enable people to bring new perspective to their personal lives, work
places and homes.
There will definitely come
a day when a lady exclaims loudly about her desire to join the Armed forces,
she would not be inviting any wrath of her parents, relatives, neighbours,
society, locality, community or friends but she would receive a pat on her
shoulder for her decision to be and do something for our country without being
judgemental about her future. I am sure we will graduate into a country where a
woman will be known for her contribution towards the country and not for all
the supposed wrong decisions made by her...... I am sure a day will come when
her success will be appreciated more than her round Chapattis....I am sure she
will be respected more for her profession than for her ability in looking after
the kids at home.... I can smell that time very closely...
I anticipate a bright
future.........do you?
Image Credits: Google
Reference:
http://www.gatewayforindia.com/articles/army_women.htm
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/permanent-commission-for-women-hanging-fire/article6824595.ece
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