As India celebrates its 77th Republic Day on January 26, a young woman Indian Air Force officer has captured national attention.
Flight Lieutenant Akshita Dhankar will stand alongside President Droupadi Murmu at Kartavya Path on Monday for the unfurling of the national flag—one of the most prestigious ceremonial moments of the Republic Day celebrations.
Born in Kasni village in Haryana, Dhankar’s selection for this high-profile role underscores the growing leadership opportunities for women in the Indian Armed Forces.
"I feel honoured. We've been practising for more than two months. The practice has been rigorous. We've been waking up early. We've been going home late. I think in the end, it is all worth it. I feel this is what the armed forces stand for- courage, unity, and determination," Akshita told ANI news agency.
#WATCH | Delhi: Flight Lieutenant Akshita Dhankar to unfurl the national flag alongside President Droupadi Murmu on Republic Day.
— ANI (@ANI) January 22, 2026
She says, “On this Republic Day, I have been given the opportunity to unfurl the national flag with President Droupadi Murmu. This is a very good… pic.twitter.com/MgDgQffDts
Her journey to the Indian Air Force was inspired by her father, a military veteran who had himself participated in the parade years ago. That early exposure to military life played a pivotal role in shaping her aspirations.
During her college years, Dhankar was an active member of the National Cadet Corps (NCC), where she rose to the rank of Cadet Sergeant Major. The experience helped hone her leadership qualities and instilled the discipline that laid the foundation for her career in the IAF.
Currently serving as a Flight Lieutenant, she is responsible for managing critical operational functions, including personnel coordination and logistics.
Her selection for this high-precision ceremonial role also coincides with the announcement that nine women Agniveers will be part of the Indian Air Force’s band contingent marching down Kartavya Path.
The IAF band, led by Sergeant Charles Antony Daniel, will complement the 144-member marching contingent of the air force, which will be led by Sqn Ldr Jagdesh Kumar.
Sqn Ld Nikita Choudhary, Flt Lt Prakhar Chandrakar and Flt Lt Dinesh Murali will be serving as supernumerary officers in the IAF contingent.
