New Delhi, January 10: 2019 is set for a refreshing start as for the first time in the history of Indian Army, a woman officer will lead a contingent on the Army Day Parade which is slated on January 15, 2019. Lieutenant Bhavana Kasturi will lead the Indian Army's Service Corps (ASC) contingent comprising of 144 male personnel. Through in 2015, Captian Divya Ajith, lead an all-women marching contingent on Republic day parade. Army Day 2019 to be Celebrated on January 15, Online Competitions Announced - Check How to Apply.

Speaking to the India Today magazine, Kasturi said, “This is the first time ever a lady officer is leading a contingent. Earlier, never a lady officer led a jawan’s contingent.” Lauding the acceptance of women in the Army, she said, “This shows the kind of acceptance, the change and the evolution which is happening in the entire organisation. This shows acceptance for woman officers also," said Kasturi to India Today.

In another interview with ANI, "ASC, which has a very important role in the India Army will participate in the marching contingent after 23 years, Kasturi said, It is a matter of pride and honour for me that I will be leading the ASC contingent in Republic day." Air Force Day 2018 Celebrated With Show of Might by IAF; Here's The Significance of This Day, Watch Video.

In another triumph to woman power, Captian Shikha Surbhi will be leading Army's Daredevil Motorcycle Display team for the first time. The team will comprise of 33 men riding nine bikes to form a pyramid formation. Ranks in Indian Army: Post of Army Brigadier, Major General Could be Merged in Next 2 Years.

Army Day is celebrated on January 15 every year since 1949 after (then) Lieutenant General Kodandera M. Cariappa's took charge as the first commander-in-chief of Indian Army from General Sir Francis Butcher. On 15 January 2019, India will be celebrating its 71st Indian Army Day in New Delhi.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 10, 2019 04:27 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).