In a historic moment for the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Simran Bala, a 26-year-old Assistant Commandant from Jammu and Kashmir, is set to lead a 140-member all-male contingent at the Republic Day parade 2026 at Kartavya Path, Delhi. This is the first time a female officer will command an all-male CRPF party in the annual national celebration, marking a significant step in the representation of women in India’s internal security forces.

Hailing from Nowshera, Rajouri district, Simran Bala is the first woman from her district to join the CRPF as an officer. Her journey reflects remarkable determination and resilience, making her a role model for aspiring women officers in paramilitary forces. Overseeing 140 male personnel at the Republic Day parade demonstrates not only her leadership skills but also the trust and respect she has earned within the CRPF.

While women have previously led various Republic Day contingents, this milestone is significant because it involves a large contingent of male personnel, reflecting Bala’s ability to command and inspire her team. The CRPF, India’s top internal security force with approximately 3.25 lakh personnel, operates across three main theatres: anti-Naxal operations, counter-terrorist operations in Jammu and Kashmir, and counter-insurgency duties in the Northeast. Bala’s leadership at such a high-profile event highlights her growing prominence within the force.

Simran Bala is a graduate in political science from the Government College for Women, Gandhinagar, Jammu. She was commissioned into the CRPF in April 2025, with her first posting at the ‘Bastariya’ battalion in Chhattisgarh, focusing on anti-Naxal operations. Her dedication and performance earned her awards for best officer in training and public speaking at the CRPF Academy in Gurugram, showcasing her exceptional capabilities as a young officer.

The Republic Day parade is a grand display of India’s military strength and cultural diversity. The route from Raisina Hill to Red Fort via India Gate includes contingents from the CRPF, Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), Central Industrial Security Force, and the Border Security Force, featuring marching troops, bands, camel-mounted teams, and motorbike daredevils. This year, a joint team of women ‘dare devils’ from the CRPF and SSB will also ride Enfield Bullet bikes, continuing a tradition first showcased in 2020. Additionally, a tableau by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the Bureau of Police Research and Development will form part of the Union Home Ministry’s float.

Simran Bala’s role is not just symbolic; it represents the progress of women in India’s security forces, inspiring young women to aspire for leadership positions in paramilitary organizations. Her historic leadership at the Republic Day parade reflects the CRPF’s commitment to gender inclusivity, merit-based leadership, and national service excellence.

In conclusion, the 2026 Republic Day parade will witness a landmark moment with Simran Bala commanding an all-male CRPF contingent, highlighting both her personal achievements and the evolving role of women officers in India’s security forces. Bala’s journey from Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir, to leading one of the country’s most prestigious paramilitary contingents serves as an inspiring story of courage, dedication, and national service.

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