Historic Moment: Woman Officer Leads Animal Contingent at Republic Day Parade
As India commemorates its 77th Republic Day on January 26, 2026, a groundbreaking event unfolds on Kartavya Path. For the first time, the Remount and Veterinary Corps (RVC) animal contingent is led by a woman officer, Captain Harshita Raghav. This milestone not only highlights gender inclusivity in the Armed Forces but also celebrates the unique fusion of veterinary science and military discipline.
A Legacy of Service and Passion
Captain Harshita Raghav is a second-generation officer, the daughter of a retired Group Captain from the Indian Air Force. Her upbringing was marked by the nomadic lifestyle typical of defence families, with schooling across Kendriya Vidyalayas in regions from the Northeast to Maharashtra. This mobility fostered adaptability, but her true calling emerged early in life: a deep-seated love for animals.
From a young age, Harshita dreamed of becoming a veterinarian. "Ever since I knew there was a person who could treat animals, I decided to become that person," she recalls. Inspired by her father's uniformed service, she aspired to merge her passion with a career in the Armed Forces. A poignant childhood memory underscores this bond; at age eight, she rescued an injured stray dog, nursing it back to health and even refusing to attend school until it was returned to her family, where it lived for 17 years.
Path to Excellence and Leadership
Harshita pursued her ambition by earning a Bachelor's in Veterinary Science from Mumbai Veterinary College. When the RVC began inducting women officers in 2023, she seized the opportunity, becoming one of the first four women commissioned that year. "It is the perfect combo—being in the Armed Forces and serving animals," she reflects, emphasizing the synergy between her roles.
Her selection for the Republic Day parade was based on merit, as she excelled in the rigorous 20-week training at the Officers Training Academy and the RVC Centre and College in Meerut. She earned the "Best Officer" award in her batch of 20, recognized for conduct, leadership, and overall performance. The training, she notes, was equal for all, with no gender-based discrimination, combining military skills like weapon training and drill with specialized veterinary care for equines and canines.
Preparing for the Parade: A Unique Challenge
Leading the RVC contingent is a profound honor for Captain Harshita, who is in her late 20s. Preparation has been intense, spanning months of training animals and ensuring their health. "Animals can't speak," she explains. "We have to read their signals and be proactive." She has developed unique bonds with each animal, understanding individual behaviors—whether it's Ronak or Disco—and insists that no two animals are the same, refusing to pick a favorite.
This year's contingent features a diverse line-up, including Bactrian camels, Zanskar ponies, raptors, and indigenous breeds, marking a first on Kartavya Path. These animals are not mere participants; they are integral to the Army's operations, showcasing endurance in extreme terrains from high-altitude borders to disaster zones. Harshita views this as elevating visibility for the Corps' contributions, calling them "silent warriors" whose role is now highlighted on a national stage.
A Childhood Dream Fulfilled
As a child, Harshita watched Republic Day parades religiously, enchanted by the "bahadur bachche (brave children)" riding elephants. She would ask her parents what bravery she needed to join them. Decades later, her father reminded her of those innocent questions. "I still have the photographic memory of seeing those kids sit on the elephants and go down the Kartavya Path. Now I will be there too," she says, her voice carrying the weight of fulfilled childhood wonder.
On January 26, 2026, as Captain Harshita Raghav leads her contingent—animals marching in disciplined formation—she embodies progress: a veterinarian's skill fused with an officer's resolve, a daughter carrying forward her father's legacy, and the Army's evolving inclusivity. For millions watching, it serves as a reminder that true strength often walks on four legs, guided by those who listen to the unspoken.
