Meet Akshita Dhankar, the IAF officer who'll unfurl the national flag with President Murmu today

This year, Dhankar will participate in the Republic Day parade, marking a special focus on women’s participation.

• Flight Lt Akshita Dhankar to raise flag with President Murmu on Republic Day
• India marks its 77th Republic Day with new parade features and focus on women
• Dhankar's selection inspires youth, celebrates women's growing role in armed forces

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Growing up in a small village in Haryana, Akshita Dhankar dreamed of serving her country after watching the Republic Day parade as a child. Today, that dream becomes reality. The Flight Lieutenant in the Indian Air Force will raise the national flag alongside President Droupadi Murmu at the 77th Republic Day parade, symbolising dedication, perseverance, and the expanding role of women in India’s armed forces.

Dhankar, born in Kasni village, a region known for its deep military traditions, recalls how her childhood dreams of joining the armed forces were shaped by watching the Republic Day parade. “My father had participated in the parade, and that left a lasting impression on me. I always wanted to serve the nation and wear the uniform,” she told News18 Hindi.

Her journey from Kasni to Kartavya Path was built on discipline and perseverance.

How's India celebrating its 77th Republic Day? Check out here.

Dhankar studied at Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Khalsa College, Delhi University, where she joined the National Cadet Corps (NCC). She excelled, rising to the rank of Cadet Sergeant Major (CSM), with her unit fondly remembering her as “Ex-CSM” for her inspirational leadership.

Determined to join the Air Force, Dhankar cleared the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) and received a recommendation from the Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) in Mysore.

She was commissioned as a Flying Officer in the Administration branch (M AFCAT W-551 entry) on June 17, 2023, with service number 38704 ADM, as part of the 211 Short Service Commission (Women) Ground Duty Course. She quickly earned promotion to Flight Lieutenant, overseeing crucial administrative operations including personnel management, logistics, and coordination.

This year, Dhankar will participate in the Republic Day parade, marking a special focus on women’s participation. For the first time, women will be included in the Air Force band and the “Sindoor” fighter formation, which honours Operation Sindoor.

“On this Republic Day, I have been given the opportunity to unfurl the national flag with President Murmu. This is a very good feeling. I feel honoured. We’ve been practising for more than two months. The practice has been rigorous. We’ve been waking up early and going home late. In the end, it is all worth it. This is what the armed forces stand for, courage, unity, and determination,” Dhankar told last week during an interaction with the media.

#WATCH | Delhi: Flight Lieutenant Akshita Dhankar to unfurl the national flag alongside President Droupadi Murmu on Republic Day.

She says, “On this Republic Day, I have been given the opportunity to unfurl the national flag with President Droupadi Murmu. This is a very good… pic.twitter.com/MgDgQffDts — ANI (@ANI) January 22, 2026

"I believe this occasion, especially on a national platform like 26 January, will inspire the youth as they witness the flypast, parade, and the efforts of the entire contingent, encouraging them to join the Indian Air Force," she further stated.

VIDEO | Delhi: Flight Lieutenant Akshita Dhankar to unfurl the national flag alongside President Droupadi Murmu on Republic Day. She says, “I will have the honour of unfurling the flag with the President of India before the parade begins, which is a matter of great pride for… pic.twitter.com/kgkHnNF5u1 — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 22, 2026

Her selection has sparked celebrations in her home village. A local event featured young girls singing in her honour, and videos of the tribute went viral on social media, inspiring many, particularly young girls.

India is celebrating its 77th Republic Day under the theme “150 Years of Vande Mataram”, commemorating Bankim Chandra Chatterjee’s iconic composition that inspired generations during the freedom struggle.

This year’s parade will feature several first-time appearances.

The Suryastra deep-strike rocket launcher system and the newly raised Bhairav light commando battalion will make their debut, alongside Zanskar ponies and Bactrian camels, in a ceremonial display. Personnel of the 61 Cavalry will march in full battle gear for the first time, while the Shaktiban Regiment of Artillery debuts with advanced drones, counter-drone systems, and loitering munitions.

The ceremonial flypast will showcase 29 aircraft, including Rafale, Su-30, MiG-29, P-8I, Apache, LCH, ALH, Mi-17, C-130, and C-295, reflecting the strength, versatility, and technological depth of India’s air power.

The parade is being commanded by Lieutenant General Bhavnish Kumar, General Officer Commanding, Delhi, a second-generation officer, with Major General Navraj Dhillon, Chief of Staff, Headquarters Delhi, a third-generation officer, serving as Parade Second-in-Command.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, early in the day, extended greetings on X, posting: “Best wishes on Republic Day. May this occasion add renewed energy and enthusiasm in our collective resolve to build a Viksit Bharat.”