Woman officer leads Obama guard of honor

Wing Commander Puja Thakur became the first Indian woman officer ever to lead a tri-service guard of honor for a visiting dignitary on Sunday.

Gautam Debroy from New Delhibdnews24.com
Published : 25 Jan 2015, 10:33 AM
Updated : 25 Jan 2015, 10:33 AM

She led the ceremonial Guard of Honour for US President Barack Obama at the Rashtrapati Bhavan today when he touched down here with wife Michelle.

Puja was promptly described as a 'show-stealer' by the Indian television.

President Obama was given a 21-gun salute on the forecourt of the majestic presidential palace, after which Wing Commander Thakur walked him down for the inspection of the Guard of Honour.

This brought to focus the 'Nari Shakti' (women power) which is the theme for this year's Republic Day parade in India.

President Obama will be the chief guest for the Republic Day celebrations on Monday, which will see woman contingents of the army, navy and the air force marching down Rajpath for the first time.

"I have created history, so has the Indian Air Force, by our Guard of Honor for the most powerful man in the world," Wing Commander Thakur was quoted as telling NDTV, explaining that years of training had prepared her for moments like this.

She hoped that she would inspire more women to join the forces. "I hope it will be an inspiration to them to see that woman officers are commanding contingents of men, and people are accepting it. That's a message for everybody to come and join us," she said.

The special Guard of Honour fired up social media, with many commenting that a woman taking the lead sends a positive message.

"As a woman, I feel extremely proud to learn about a Lady Commanding Officer leading the ceremonial Guard of Honour to President Obama," tweeted Anandiben Patel, the Chief Minister of Gujarat … successor in that position to now PM Narendra Modi.