WOMAN LEADS INDIAN AIR FORCE CONTINGENT FOR THE FIRST TIME IN HISTORY

During the Republic Day parade Sneha Shekhawat from Sikar in Rajasthan created history when she led the Air Force contingent at the 63rd Republic Day parade in New Delhi 2012 becoming the first woman pilot to do so. The other women officers are Flying Officer A.Chaudry, who flies helicopters such as Cheetah and Chetak and Flying Officer Pooja Negi and Flying Officer Hena Pore, both from the accounts branch. She was the face of elegance and confidence as she led the 144-member strong Air Force contingent marching to the tunes of its band playing 'Air Battle'. The Agni-IV, successfully flight tested last November, stole the limelight as people cheered when the missile which can carry nuclear weapons was rolled out on the majestic Rajpath. The Intermediate Range Surface-to-Surface Ballistic Missile mounted on a road mobile launcher was paraded by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The elite organisation also put on display for the first time the 150 km range Prahaar Tactical Battlefield Support Missile and the Rustom-1 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). Shekhawat, from Sikar in Rajasthan, is at present posted with the IAF squadron at Hindon in Ghaziabad, told IANS ahead of the parade that it was a matter of pride and honour to lead the IAF contingent.