Republic Day: Parade Commander’s son to guide 61 Cavalry on Kartavya Path

Driving his Hanoverian charger, ‘Ranveer,’ the 25-year-old officer will helm the horse cavalry contingent, a distinguished function of the Republic Day parade since its inception.

The 61st Cavalry is distinguished because the main contingent of the armed forces within the ceremonial parade.

Chatting with PTI forward of the grand occasion, Lt Kumar shared his pleasure about making his parade debut and upholding his household’s proud legacy.

Lt Ahaan Kumar is the third technology officer

Lt Ahaan Kumar shared with PTI, “I’m a third-generation officer, and my father, he’s the GOC, Delhi Space, he’s main the parade. My paternal grandfather (served within the 1965 conflict) and maternal grandfather (served within the 1965, 1971 wars), each have been within the Military, and I all the time seen them as position fashions. And, I’ve continued the legacy of the household by becoming a member of the military.”

Lt Gen Bhavnish Kumar, the Basic Officer Commanding of the Delhi Space, will function the Parade Commander.

Lt Kumar described the expertise as a “double honour,” as he’ll lead the 61 Cavalry contingent within the Republic Day parade, which is being commanded by his father.

The 61 Cavalry, based mostly in Jaipur and raised in 1953, was shaped via the amalgamation of items from six former royal state forces, together with the Mysore Lancers, Jodhpur Lancers, and Gwalior Lancers.

Talking about his participation, Lt Kumar mentioned, “I’m collaborating on this parade for the primary time. In fact, individuals anticipate this contingent and accordingly we make preparations as effectively.”

Different officers collaborating within the parade

Lt Cdr Saahil Ahluwalia, a second-generation naval officer presently serving at INS Mysore in Visakhapatnam, will take part within the Republic Day parade for the primary time this yr. Reflecting on the event, he shared, “It’s a singular honour for me to be following in my father’s footsteps, as in 1991, he was additionally a part of the naval contingent within the parade that yr as a platoon commander.”

Within the 2025 parade, Lt Cdr Ahluwalia will lead a naval contingent comprising 144 younger members, marching shoulder to shoulder. Supporting him might be three platoon commanders: Lt Cdr Indresh Choudhary, Lt Cdr Kajal A Bharani, and Lt Devinder Kumar.

Capt Ritika Khareta, 25, will make her debut main a contingent of the Corps of Indicators. Talking concerning the expertise, she mentioned, “I really feel honoured and privileged to have been given this chance. The second I step on Kartavya Path with the boys behind me, shouting slogans of our regiment with full ‘josh’ and enthusiasm, we really feel very excited to march down on Kartavya Path and salute our Supreme Commander.”

Capt Khareta will lead an all-male contingent, following within the footsteps of Capt Tania Shergill, who led an all-male contingent of the Corps of Indicators within the 2020 Republic Day parade. Capt Khareta, a local of Delhi, shared that whereas her father is within the Delhi Police and her mom is a authorities college trainer, she is the primary officer in her household. She famous that her great-grandfather, an honorary captain and Shaurya Chakra awardee from 3 Grenadiers, served within the Military.

The ceremonial line-up will conclude with Capt Ashish Rana main a daredevils contingent of the Corps of Indicators, alongside Capt Dimple Singh Bhati, who will comply with as second-in-line. Capt Rana, who led the contingent in 2023, emphasised, “Fearlessness is inculcated in all of us.” This yr, a “Bullet wheelie stunt” will debut on Kartavya Path as a part of the parade.

Capt Bhati will create historical past by turning into the primary girl Military officer to salute the President whereas using a 12-foot ladder mounted on a shifting motorbike.

(With PTI inputs)