On 26th January 2012, (then US President) Barack Obama joined India in the Republic Day celebrations. He was the Chief Guest for the occasion, which witnessed ‘Nari Shakti’ (Women Power) as the central theme of the ceremony. The three contingents of Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force we led by lady officers on this special day. The unfurling of the Tricolor too, was carried out be a lady officer. There was another exemplary officer who made her mark in the history of the tri- services- Wing Commander Pooja Thakur. The spirited officer became the first woman ever to lead the tri- service guard of honour for a visiting head of state, which in this case was Barack Obama himself.
Wing Commander Pooja joined the Indian Air Force in 2001. She is a second generation defence officer, for her father was a Colonel in the Indian Army before he retired a few years back. She is a part of the administrative brand within the force, and was previously posted in the publicity cell, ‘Disha”, under the publicity cell under the Directorate of Personnel Officers at the Air Force Headquarters. Besides being an active Para- jumper, she is keen on all kinds of adventure sports. She seems to be a firm believer of gender equality in the Forces-
“I would say that we are first officers, be it male or female. We are just the same. We are given the same kind of training. We are equals.”
Wing Commander Pooja was informed only a few days before the Parade that she was being considered for commanding the Guard of Honour at the Presidential Palace. Movements, marching, word of command- everything is taken into consideration before the final judgement. Two days before the Parade, it was officially declared that she was leading the Guard of Honour at the said occasion. This short notice did not hinder her grit. She claims that as officers, they must be prepared at all times and give in their 100%, and that is exactly what she did.
She was excited when she was handed over this responsibility, but anxiety was also something that she couldn’t get rid of. After all, she was presented with a critical and prestigious task, and she had to be perfect with it. A lot goes into the preparation and final execution of this ceremony, and it was obvious that she felt a little nervous about it. Great standards were to be set, the command was to be impeccable, and she had to lead the men behind her for a highly esteemed visiting dignitary.
While drill movements and ceremonials were a part of her life ever since the first day of training, she had to take more specific practice sessions for the Republic Day. She labored for the duty and prepared herself mentally to be alert and focused on the big day. She knew she had to focus not on the fact that she was meeting such an important personality, but on her next move and her duty.
She has high hopes for the girls and ladies in the country. She hopes that they receive motivation to join the prestigious forces after watching her undertake this critical ceremony. She speaks highly of her life in the forces and how proud she is to be a part of it-
“You might just see an officer on the road or travelling or something. But it’s not just a job or something, it’s a way of life, you become a part of, and it’s an excellent life and you don’t get it anywhere – the kind of quality you have. And the respect and dignity is something which you can’t get anywhere else and it’s a wonderful service to be part of.”
It was a proud moment for her and her family as she led the guard of honour for the world’s most powerful man. Indian Army and Indian Navy officers who lead the Guard of honour carry swords with them during the ceremony. Wing Commander Pooja however, carried a revolver with her during the ceremony as per custom for Indian Air Force officers. Pooja, who hails from Jaipur, had always desired a defence life, and she has been living her dream. We hope to see more women like her in the forces and hope she continues to inspire girls and ladies alike wherever she goes.
