Womanpower in Uniform: Republic@75
SP's Land Forces|December 2023 - January 2024
India takes a big stride into the future as Women Warriors lead the charge in India's 75th Republic Day Celebration
MAJOR GENERAL ATANU K. PATTANAIK (RETD)
Womanpower in Uniform: Republic@75

IN A SPEECH “WHY I left Home and Homeland” on July 9, 1943 in Singapore, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose called for every able-bodied Indian to enlist in the INA and concluded with a stunning demand: “I want also a unit of brave Indian women to form a ‘Death-defying Regiment’ who will wield the sword, which the brave Rani of Jhansi wielded in India’s First War of Independence in 1857.” Promptly, on July 12, 1943, a female guard of honour for Bose was organised with some difficulty under Dr Lakshmi Swaminathan. Twenty women were persuaded to train to present arms using Lee-Enfield 303 rifles borrowed from the INA. With no time to produce uniforms, the women wore white saris. The fabled Rani of Jhansi Regiment took shape that year in October. The images of a smartly uniformed Captain Lakshmi Swaminathan (Sahgal) marching step in step beside Netaji Bose inspecting will remain etched forever.

Netaji Bose would be smiling approvingly from his majestic 28 feet tall statue perched on the canopy near the India Gate, surveying the 75th Republic Day parade as women in uniform from the armed services, paramilitary forces and departments like the ISRO and DRDO marched down the Kartavya Path. The traditional Republic Day parades exhibit a heady mix of culture and combat power; and while women have always had a significant presence in showcasing our culture, this is the first time they made their forceful and emphatic presence in the display of India’s raw combat power.

Bu hikaye SP's Land Forces dergisinin December 2023 - January 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye SP's Land Forces dergisinin December 2023 - January 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

SP'S LAND FORCES DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
Indigenous Might on Display
SP's Land Forces

Indigenous Might on Display

INA RAPIDLY EVOLVING global landscape marked by geopolitical tensions and emerging security threats, nations around the world are continuously enhancing their military capabilities to ensure sovereignty and national security.

time-read
4 dak  |
April - May 2024
Future of Battlefield Lethality
SP's Land Forces

Future of Battlefield Lethality

A look at the latest trends reshaping Land Warfare Munitions

time-read
5 dak  |
April - May 2024
Indigenous Ammunition Production
SP's Land Forces

Indigenous Ammunition Production

Meeting the critical need for ammunition by the Armed Forces requires rapid ramping up of indigenous production

time-read
6 dak  |
April - May 2024
Stryker Production under 'Make in India'?
SP's Land Forces

Stryker Production under 'Make in India'?

India explores joint production of Stryker armoured vehicles with the US as part of their Strategic Alliance

time-read
4 dak  |
December 2023 - January 2024
Rosoboronexport goes on to work on Technology Partnership Contracts with Friendly Countries
SP's Land Forces

Rosoboronexport goes on to work on Technology Partnership Contracts with Friendly Countries

Empowering Global Defence Production through Innovation, Collaboration and Pioneering Technology Partnerships in the evolving landscape of Military Cooperation

time-read
2 dak  |
December 2023 - January 2024
Yugoimport - A Global Player in Artillery
SP's Land Forces

Yugoimport - A Global Player in Artillery

Yugoimport-SDPR has constantly innovated itself as a manufacturer of complex weapon systems and defence equipment

time-read
2 dak  |
December 2023 - January 2024
Womanpower in Uniform: Republic@75
SP's Land Forces

Womanpower in Uniform: Republic@75

India takes a big stride into the future as Women Warriors lead the charge in India's 75th Republic Day Celebration

time-read
5 dak  |
December 2023 - January 2024
Defending DRDO: Restructure the Responsibilities
SP's Land Forces

Defending DRDO: Restructure the Responsibilities

A strategic transformation of DRDO is needed to chart a course for excellence in defence technology and a more agile and responsive future

time-read
5 dak  |
December 2023 - January 2024
Fighting Terror: Armies in New Urban Warfare
SP's Land Forces

Fighting Terror: Armies in New Urban Warfare

Navigating the realities of Urban Warfare and lessons drawn from the ongoing global fight against terror

time-read
7 dak  |
December 2023 - January 2024
Indian Army: In Quest of Greater Firepower and Policy Recommendations for Gaps
SP's Land Forces

Indian Army: In Quest of Greater Firepower and Policy Recommendations for Gaps

Charting the Future under General Manoj Pande's Vision for a Tech-Driven Army, the Indian Army is driving ahead for Next-Gen Combat Capabilities

time-read
5 dak  |
December 2023 - January 2024