A woman officer, Wing Commander Pooja Thakur led the ceremonial Guard of Honour for US President Barack Obama at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on the Republic Day. The US president Barack Obama was given a 21-gun salute at the forecourt of the beautiful presidential palace.

After the salute, Wing commander Thakur walked him for inspection of the Guard of Honour. She is the first woman officer to lead a tri-services Guard of Honour. She was chosen as part of this year’s theme for the republic day parade which is “Nari Shakti” meaning women power. Wing commander Pooja Thakur hopes to be an inspiration for more women to join the forces. She stated that she would like to see more women officers.

President Obama was the guest of honour at Republic day celebrations. These celebrations saw woman contingents of the army, navy and the air force marching down Rajpath for the first time ever.

Many people across social media have commented that the special guard of honour will send a positive message across the country and the world. Many women stated that they were proud to see a lady commanding officer leading the ceremonial Guard of Honour to President Obama.

Photo by Library of Congress on Unsplash (Free for commercial use)

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