J&K's Simran Bala creates history, leads CRPF men's contingent at Republic Day Parade

As the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) contingent marched along Kartavya Path during the Republic Day parade on Monday, residents of Nowshera in the border district of Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir, watched with pride as their daughter, Simran Bala, led the formation.

Jammu and Kashmir's daughter, Simran Bala, created history by leading the CRPF men's contingent in the Republic Day parade.

India's women power took centre stage at the Republic Day parade this year, with Assistant Commandant Simran Bala and Assistant Commandant Surabhi Ravi leading the CRPF contingent. In another proud moment, SUO Mansi Vishwakarma led the NCC girls' contingent, symbolising strength, leadership, and confidence in the line of duty in the national capital.

Assistant Commandant Simran Bala, who led the CRPF men's contingent, is the youngest of three siblings. Her father and grandfather have also served in the Army. This was the first time that a female officer commanded a party of more than 140 male personnel during the annual national event.

The 26-year-old officer, a resident of Rajouri district in Jammu and Kashmir, is the first woman from the district to join the officer ranks in the country's largest paramilitary force. Her village, Nowshera, is just 11 kilometres from the India–Pakistan Line of Control.

First Posting in Chhattisgarh

Simran Bala graduated in Political Science from the Government College for Women, Gandhinagar, Jammu. She was commissioned into the force in April 2025, and her first posting was in Chhattisgarh.

"I am truly proud to lead the contingent on Republic Day. I am grateful to the CRPF for giving me this opportunity," Bala said a few days ago.

During parade preparations, Simran displayed exceptional discipline, leadership and professionalism. Her confidence and command during rigorous drills impressed senior officers, earning her the responsibility of leading the contingent. She said that since childhood, she has witnessed cross-border firing and security force deployments up close, which inspired her to join the armed forces.

Simran said nothing is impossible for girls in today's times. She added that preparation is possible even without major coaching institutes through online resources. With true dedication, hard work, and honest effort, success is certain, she said, adding that girls are in no way inferior to boys and must be given equal opportunities to move ahead.

Just a few kilometres from the Line of Control, people in the Rajouri district were eagerly looking forward to celebrating a special moment this Republic Day as Simran Bala, who hails from a border village, led an all-male CRPF contingent on Kartavya Path in New Delhi on January 26.

Her family described the moment as one of immense pride, saying Bala's achievement has brought honour not only to their household but to the entire district and serves as an inspiration for youth in border areas, especially girls.