At the 76th Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi, Lieutenant Ahaan Kumar, a 25-year-old officer, will proudly lead the iconic 61 Cavalry on Kartavya Path, continuing a proud family legacy of service in the Indian Army. Riding his Hanoverian charger, Ranveer, Lt Kumar will command the horse cavalry contingent, a distinguished feature of the Republic Day parade since its inception.
This year’s parade holds special significance for Lt Kumar, as he is following in the footsteps of his father, Lt Gen Bhavnish Kumar, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Delhi Area, who will serve as the Parade Commander. Lt Kumar’s involvement marks a “double honour” for him, as he not only leads the prestigious 61 Cavalry but also participates in an event commanded by his father.
A Third-Generation Officer
Lt Ahaan Kumar is part of a proud legacy, being a third-generation officer in the Indian Army. His father, Lt Gen Bhavnish Kumar, and both of his grandfathers served in the military, with his paternal grandfather having participated in the 1965 India-Pakistan war and his maternal grandfather having served in both the 1965 and 1971 wars. Lt Kumar, deeply inspired by his forebears, joined the army and continues the family’s military tradition.
The 61 Cavalry, based in Jaipur, was raised in 1953 and amalgamated units from six former royal state forces, including the Mysore Lancers, Jodhpur Lancers, and Gwalior Lancers. Lt Kumar expressed his excitement at leading this historic unit, acknowledging the significance of the moment, especially as it is his parade debut.
New Faces in the Parade
Several other officers will also make their debut at the Republic Day parade this year. Lieutenant Commander (Lt Cdr) Saahil Ahluwalia, a second-generation naval officer serving at INS Mysore in Visakhapatnam, will participate in the parade for the first time. Reflecting on the occasion, Lt Cdr Ahluwalia noted the honor of following in his father’s footsteps, as his father was also part of the naval contingent in the 1991 parade.
Lt Cdr Ahluwalia will lead a naval contingent of 144 young sailors marching together, with three platoon commanders supporting him. In a historic moment, Captain Ritika Khareta, 25, will lead a contingent of the Corps of Signals, marking her debut as the first officer in her family. Her leadership in this role continues the tradition of women in combat, as she follows in the footsteps of Captain Tania Shergill, who led a similar contingent in the 2020 Republic Day parade.
The ceremonial parade will also feature daring feats, including Capt Ashish Rana leading a daredevils contingent of the Corps of Signals. Capt Rana’s unit will showcase a “Bullet wheelie stunt,” adding an element of thrill to the event. Capt Dimple Singh Bhati will also make history as the first woman Army officer to salute the President while performing a stunt on a 12-foot ladder mounted on a moving motorcycle.
The 76th Republic Day celebrations will be marked by these remarkable officers, representing the strength, bravery, and commitment of the Indian armed forces.
