Kiran Bedi recalls leading Republic Day parade – Kiran Bedi recalls leading Republic Day parade in 1975 in viral video
On India’s 76th Republic Day, Kiran Bedi, the nation’s first female IPS officer, took a moment to reflect on a defining milestone from her illustrious career — leading the Republic Day parade in 1975.
Sharing a video in a post on X, Kiran described how she overcame gender bias to make history as the first woman to lead an all-male contingent in the parade.
In the video, Bedi recalled the challenges she faced 50 years ago. “I wasn’t initially given the opportunity to lead the Republic Day parade. At the time, I was the only IPS officer in Delhi Police, and they chose someone else to lead the contingent because I am a woman,” she said.
Determined to change the narrative, Bedi approached her then Inspector General of Police, PR Rajgopal. “I asked him, ‘Sir, why wasn’t I chosen to lead the parade?’ He questioned if I’d be able to march 14 kilometres non-stop with a sword in my hand. My response was clear: I had completed my training on par with 70 men in my batch and earned this opportunity. For how long will I be answering such sorts of questions?”
The IF relented, and Bedi began her rigorous preparation. “In the biting cold of Delhi, with heavy fog blanketing the Kartavya Path – then Rajpath – I practised for weeks, marching with my boots and a sword in hand, leading a male contingent,” she recalled.
Calling it a moment of pride, Bedi said, “It’s been 50 years since that historic day. For me, and for the womab of India, it is a day to be remembered.”
Watch the video here:
Kiran Bedi, who joined the Indian Police Service in 1972, continues to inspire generations with her trailblazing journey.
