The moment marked both a significant personal milestone for Dhankar and a powerful symbol of India’s growing emphasis on women in the armed forces
Digital Desk: Akshita Dhankar, a Flight Lieutenant in the Indian Air Force (IAF), was chosen for one of the country’s highest ceremonial honours as she unfurled the national flag alongside President Droupadi Murmu during the 77th Republic Day parade in New Delhi. The moment marked both a significant personal milestone for Dhankar and a powerful symbol of India’s growing emphasis on women in the armed forces.
Hailing from Kasni village in Haryana, Akshita Dhankar comes from a family with a strong defence background, as her father also served in the Indian Air Force. She completed her studies at Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Khalsa College in Delhi, where she joined the National Cadet Corps . Demonstrating exceptional leadership and discipline, she rose to the rank of Cadet Sergeant Major, a journey that strengthened her resolve to join the IAF.
Determined to serve the nation, Dhankar cleared the AFCAT examination and was recommended by the Air Force Selection Board (AFSB), Mysore. She was selected for the Administration branch and was commissioned as a Flying Officer in June 2023. Within a short span of three years, she earned promotion to the rank of Flight Lieutenant.
Speaking about the honour, Flight Lieutenant Dhankar said that unfurling the national flag with the President of India before the parade begins is a matter of immense pride for her. She highlighted that Operation Sindoor was not solely an Indian Air Force effort but a joint endeavour of all the Armed Forces, and representing it on such a grand national platform is a great honour for the IAF.
She expressed hope that the Republic Day celebrations, including the parade and flypast, would inspire young Indians to witness the dedication of the armed forces and motivate them to join the Indian Air Force and serve the nation.
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