Republic Day 2024: CISF's women contingent plays 'Jamal Jamaloo' from 'Animal'. Watch

Ahead of Republic Day, as the different contingents of the Indian Army get ready for the parade, a CISF women contingent was caught on camera playing a popular Bollywood song of Iranian origin -- 'Jamal Jamaloo' from the movie Animal.

The 75th Republic Day celebrations at the majestic Kartavya Path on January 26 will largely be "women-centric" with the central theme of India’s democracy and its resolve to become a developed nation. In a first, the parade will be heralded by 100 women artists with Indian musical instruments, Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane said on Friday.

The parade will also witness an all-women tri-services contingent marching down the ceremonial boulevard for the first time, and the central armed police forces contingents will also consist of women personnel, he said. "The best representation of women will be seen in this year’s Republic Day parade," the defence secretary told reporters. A 95-member marching team and 33-member band contingent from France will also take part in the parade.

"I feel fortunate to get the opportunity to lead it. It is a proud moment for me as well as every member of the team," 26-year-old Captain Sandhya, who is leading the contingent, told PTI after a practice session. The contingent mostly has Agniveers and some of the regular recruits. The team of 148 members has been in Delhi since early December to prepare for the historic moment, and before that, they practised at their respective places for two months.

"Despite the difference in drills and procedures of the three services, the contingent trained together as a cohesive unit with a common goal. The goal is to give our best, emanate Nari Shakti in every step we march," Captain Sandhya, who participated in the Republic Day parade in 2017 as an NCC cadet from Delhi Directorate, said.