Kolkata's Republic Day Parade to Celebrate Women Empowerment with Historic Female Participation
The 50-minute Republic Day parade at Kolkata's iconic Red Road, scheduled to commence around 10:30 AM, promises to be a spectacular display of discipline and diversity. While the event traditionally features a blend of defence and Kolkata Police personnel, this year's edition will mark a significant milestone by highlighting one of the largest contingents of female personnel ever seen marching through the city's heart.
Nari Shakti Takes Center Stage at Red Road
"Nari shakti (woman power) will be showcased at this year's Republic Day parade," revealed official sources, emphasizing that women IPS officers will not only lead female-dominated units but also command male-dominant contingents. This strategic decision reflects a conscious effort to recognize the growing role of women in law enforcement.
Both Kolkata Police and Bengal Police will deploy their Rapid Action Force (RAF) women units to the parade, with the all-women Police Winners team comprising personnel from both forces. This contingent is set to be one of the largest participating this year, symbolizing the strengthened presence of women in the police force.
Final Rehearsals and Parade Details
The final full dress rehearsal held on Saturday ensured every detail was perfected for the grand event. During the parade, these units will march shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts, complemented by an all-girl school contingent—one of four schools participating this year—adding to the impressive numbers.
Kolkata Police will display multiple units during the show, including:
- The Winners team
- Disaster Management Group
- Motorcycle unit
- Rapid Action Force (RAF)
- Traffic police
Strategic Focus on Women's Role in Law and Order
Lalbazar officials confirmed that the decision to prominently feature women forces was deliberate, acknowledging that these units now play a crucial role in maintaining law and order in Kolkata. Since 2023, women have been part of marching units, with their numbers increasing annually.
"This year, most marching police contingents have an equal share of men and women," stated Subhankar Bhattacharya, Joint Commissioner (AP), highlighting the progress toward gender parity.
Political Support and Recruitment Milestones
Top officials at Nabanna expressed particular excitement about showcasing the women contingents this year, especially the Winners unit. This enthusiasm stems from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's 2022 announcement to recruit 2,020 policewomen for Winners—all-women squads in Kolkata, other police commissionerates, and select police districts across Bengal.
"This year, we finished most of these recruitments, thereby increasing the presence of women in the force," explained an officer, underscoring the successful implementation of this initiative. The expanded recruitment has not only boosted numbers but also reinforced the commitment to gender inclusivity in policing.
As Kolkata prepares to celebrate Republic Day, the parade at Red Road stands as a powerful testament to the evolving landscape of law enforcement, where women are increasingly taking on leadership roles and contributing significantly to public safety and order.
