On Rani Lakshmibai's land, women police rewrite tradition with first-of-its-kind Republic Day parade in Jhansi

LUCKNOW: What was once regarded as an exclusive male domain echoed with a different rhythm on Republic Day in Jhansi, as an all-women police contingent led the ceremonial parade for the first time, turning history into lived reality on the very soil of Rani Lakshmibai.

At the Police Lines parade ground, 253 women police personnel marched in perfect synchrony, offering a powerful and emotional statement on women’s leadership, courage and transformation within the Uttar Pradesh Police.The 77th Republic Day celebrations were marked by grandeur and symbolism as Chairman of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council Kunwar Manvendra Pratap Singh unfurled the national flag and took the salute.

The historic parade was organised under the guidance of Inspector General of Police, Jhansi Range, Akash Kulhary, and under the supervision of Senior Superintendent of Police, Jhansi, BBGTS Murthy.The parade featured 240 women constables, 10 troop commanders and three parade commanders, all of whom trained for weeks to master the demanding ceremonial drill—traditionally dominated by male contingents. For many of the women on the ground, the moment was deeply personal.

“Parade command was once seen as a male bastion. Standing here today, leading and marching with confidence, shows how far women in the police have come,” said a woman officer who participated in the parade. “This wasn’t just about drill. It was about proving to ourselves and to society that women can shoulder responsibility with the same discipline and authority,” she said, visibly emotional after the march.Leading the parade was CO Tahrauli Asma Waqar as first parade commander, supported by Sub-Inspectors Kiran Rawat and Neelesh Kumari as second and third parade commanders.

Ten women contingents in ceremonial attire saluted the tricolour, followed by a synchronized ceremonial firing that drew loud applause from the audience.The march-past also included Mission Shakti vehicle squads, UP-112 response units, Fire Services, Radio Branch, Dog Squad, SWAT team, women power mobile units and motorcycle squads, highlighting the expanding operational footprint of women in policing beyond symbolic roles.The occasion also recognised service and sacrifice. Several police personnel were honoured with medals and commendation certificates for exemplary service, crime control and emergency response. A PRV-112 team was specially felicitated for maintaining exceptional response standards.As schoolchildren, families and senior citizens watched from the stands—many recording the moment on their phones—the atmosphere was charged with pride and reflection.

“Seeing women command the parade on Republic Day is something we never imagined a decade ago,” said a retired police official in attendance.Senior officials including Divisional Commissioner Bimal Kumar Dubey, District Magistrate Mridul Chaudhary and top police officers were present at the ceremony, which was conducted by noted educationist and President’s Award recipient Neeti Shastri. Republic Day was also celebrated across all police stations and offices in the district, but it was the women-led parade in Jhansi that stood out—quietly, firmly, and memorably redefining tradition.