Lt Bhavana Kasturi becomes first woman officer to lead all-men contingent at Republic Day parade

Lt. Bhavana Kasturi. led a contingent of the India Army Service Corps and Capt Bhavna Syal, a third-generation officer in the armed forces, led the transportable satellite terminal's contingent. 

The all-women Assam Rifles contingent led by Major Khushboo Kanwar created history this year by participating for the first time in a Republic Day parade.

Capt Shikha Surabhi from the Corps of Signals became the first woman to perform bike stunts, alongside her male teammates as part of daredevils, a major attraction every Republic Day.

Her standing salute from the bike drew loud applause from the audience.

India celebrated its 70th Republic Day with a grand display of its military might and rich cultural diversity as the ceremonial parade rolled down the majestic Rajpath here in the presence of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa as the chief guest.