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Simran Bala, a 26-year-old Assistant Commandant from Jammu and Kashmir, is set to make history as she leads an all-male CRPF contingent at the Republic Day parade in 2026. Discover her inspiring journey, achievements, and the significance of this groundbreaking role in India's security forces.
Simran Bala, a 26-year-old CRPF Assistant Commandant hailing from Jammu and Kashmir, will lead an all-male contingent of her force during the Republic Day parade at Kartavya Path in Delhi on January 26, officials said.
While there have been instances when women Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) officers commanded various Republic Day contingents, this is the first time that a lady officer will command a party of more than 140 male personnel during the annual national event, the officials told news ageny PTI.
Bala hails from Rajouri district in Jammu and Kashmir and is the first woman from the district to join the country's largest paramilitary force in the officer rank, the agency said.
The 3.25 lakh personnel-strong CRPF is the country's top internal security force, with its three main theatres of combat being anti-Naxal operations, counter-terrorist offensives in Jammu and Kashmir, and counter-insurgency duties in the Northeast.
Who is Simran Bala?
Bala is a graduate in political science from the Government College for Women in Jammu's Gandhinagar, officials said.
She was commissioned into the force in April 2025 and her first posting was in the 'Bastariya' battalion in Chattisgarh, tasked to undertake anti-Naxal operations, they said.
She was accorded the award for the best officer in training and public speaking subjects during her skilling at the CRPF academy in Gurugram after she qualified the CAPF Assistant Commandants exam conducted by the UPSC.
Annual Republic Day Parade
The annual Republic Day parade on 26 January showcases India's military power and cultural diversity as it ambles down the Kartavya Path from Raisina Hill to Red Fort via India Gate.
A joint team of women 'dare devils' from the CRPF and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), riding Enfield Bullet bikes, will also be part of the parade.
The female personnel of these two forces have done this feat at the Republic Day in 2020 as well.
The Central Industrial Security Force will have a marching and band contingent while the Border Security Force will be represented by its famed camel-mounted troops and band teams.
A joint tableau prepared by the National Disaster Response Force and the Bureau of Police Research and Development is also expected to be part of the Union Home Ministry's float during the event.
The Republic Day Celebrations 2026 at Kartavya Path on January 26, 2026, will be unique blend of 150 years of the national song ‘Vande Mataram’, India’s military might and cultural diversity. Addressing a press conference in New Delhi on January 16, 2026, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh spelt out the broad contours of the unique activities being planned for this year’s celebrations.
Chief Guest for Republic Day Parade
This is a significant milestone, reflecting the progress of women in our armed forces.
President of the European Council Antonio Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen will be the Chief Guests for the Republic Day Parade (RDP) 2026.
(With agency inputs)
Key Takeaways
- Simran Bala is the first woman from Rajouri to join the CRPF as an officer.
- She has been recognised for her training excellence and leadership skills.
- Bala's command of an all-male contingent symbolises the breaking of gender barriers in the armed forces.
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