Wing Commander Pooja Thakur leads Modi’s woman power in Guard of Honour to US Prez

New Delhi: Days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Beti Bachao campaign, Wing Commander Pooja Thakur of the Indian Air Force did India proud as she led the Guard of Honour at Rashtrapati Bhawan during the ceremonial reception for US President Barack Obama.

This is the first time a woman officer has led the Guard of Honour for a major visiting dignitary at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

“It was a very proud moment that I was commanding the inter-services Guard of Honour,” Wing Commander Pooja Thakur said. “Right from training days we are treated just like male officers. So first we are officers then women.”

“It would make me very happy if girls get inspired to join the forces. It would indeed be wonderful.”

Asked how her parents felt when they first heard that she will be commanding the Guard of Honour, Thakur said they were proud.

"They were very proud because they would be seeing me and hoping that I would do well. Presenting Inter-Services Guard of Honour to an important dignitary is a proud moment for everyone of us," she said.

Talking about why she joined the IAF, the young officer said it was not about a job but the way of life she wanted for herself.

"It is not a job but a way of life. I wanted to have this way of life. I had the opportunity of knowing about it since my father was in the Services too," she said.

The officer's father retired as a Colonel from the Indian Army.

'Nari shakti' (woman power) is the theme for Republic Day parade this year where Obama is the chief guest. It is learnt that women officers will also play a leading role in tomorrow's Republic Day parade, in which President Obama will be the chief guest.

For the first time, all women officer contingents of the army, air force and navy will walk down the Rajpath tomorrow.