Major Srishti Khullar -- an eye surgeon, ophthalmologist from the Army Medical Corps and qualified paratrooper -- will lead the first-ever all-women contingent from the Armed Forces Medical Services at the Republic Day parade.

"Being an eye surgeon, I have been used to holding a surgical knife in the operation theatre. Now, holding a sword at Kartavya Path has been a very challenging but very rewarding experience. I am very happy and very grateful..." says Major Khullar.

Photographs curated by Manisha Kotian/Rediff.com
Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff.com