Woman officer leads Guard of Honour for President Obama

New Delhi, Jan 25: Wing Commander Pooja Thakur led the ceremonial guard of honour for US President Barack Obama at Rashtrapati Bhavan Sunday. [OneIndia Exclusive: Not just Obama, this woman naval officer is also a R-Day star]

Wing Commander Thakur walked Obama for the inspection of the tri-service guard of honour. This comes as 'nari shakti' (woman power) is the theme for Republic Day parade this year where Obama is the chief guest.

President Obama was honored with a 21-gun salute at the forecourt of the majestic presidential palace, where President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and top union ministers were also present.

Interestingly, this is the first time a woman officer has led the Guard of Honour for a major visiting dignitary at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Women officers will also play a leading role in tomorrow's Republic Day parade, in which President Obama will be the chief guest. Defence experts say that leading a guard of honor contingent requires 12-15 years of training.

[Read: (Live updates) Obama's visit to India: Barack Obama pays homage to Mahatma Gandhi ]

After inspecting the guard of honour, the American President left for Mahatma Gandhi's memorial Rajpath, where he will paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and planted a Peepal sapling.

This Jan 26 will also be the first time when women contingents of the army, air force and navy will walk down the Rajpath.

OneIndia News