71st Army Day Parade, 2019: Meet Lieutenant Bhavana Kasturi, First Woman To Lead An All Men Contingent

Bhavana kasturi was seen appreciating the army for this opportunity adding that it was a symbolic evolution and change that is taking place in the entire organization. That is, acceptance of more and more women officers.
Though, in 2015 lady officers from tri services had led a squadron with 148 personnel each on the Republic day, no woman officer prior to Lt. Bhavana had led the Army day parade.

This year’s Parade also saw Captain Shikha Surabhi leading the Army’s Daredevils Motorcycle Display team for the first time ever. The team consists of 33 men riding nine bikes in a pyramid formation. This team is a part of the Army’s Corps of Signals- a combat support arm that holds a total of 24 world records, including a Guinness World Record too.

This year’s parade also saw the display of M777A2 Ultra Light Howitzer and K9 Vajra-T artillery for the first time ever.

The Army Day is celebrated every year on January 15 to honour the day Lieutenant General KM Cariappa took over General Sir Francis Butcher as Commander-in-chief of India in January 1949.