Simran Bala from Nowshera, Jammu and Kashmir, is currently making headlines in India. The reason – she will be leading the all men’s contingent of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in the parade on January 26th, India’s 77th Republic Day. While it’s not the first time a CRPF woman officer is commanding a contingent or parade but this is the first occasion a lady officer is commanding a contingent of more than 140 male personnel in such a prestigious national event.
Rehearsals for the parade are currently underway on Kartavya Path in Delhi, the capital of India, and Simran Bala is participating with full enthusiasm. For any member of a uniformed organization, commanding a contingent in this event is considered as a significant achievement. Besides gaining popularity, it is also a matter of great pride.
For 26-year-old CRPF Assistant Commandant Simran Bala, it is also a matter of pride that her name will be etched in the history of the force, which is the largest central police force with over 325,000 personnel.The three main responsibilities of the CRPF include anti-Naxal operations, counter-terrorism operations in Jammu and Kashmir, and counter-insurgency deployments in the Northeast region.
Simran’s family is one among those who served the country for generations by being a part of a uniformed organization. Simran’s grandfather and then her father served in the Indian Army. Now, Simran has carried on that tradition by joining the CRPF, a force which plays a crucial role in maintaining internal security. Simran already holds a record as she is the first woman from Rajouri district of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir to be appointed as an officer in this force.
Simran Bala graduated in Political Science from Government College for Women in Gandhinagar, Jammu. After clearing the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on her first attempt, Simran Bala got the opportunity to become a part of the CRPF. During her training at the CRPF Academy in Gurugram, she was awarded the best officer in training and public speaking. Simran Bala was commissioned into the force in April 2025, and her first posting was with the ‘Bastariya’ battalion in Chhattisgarh, which is tasked with conducting anti-Naxal operations.
Known as the ‘Lion of Naushera’ Brigadier Usman of the Indian Army, considered an inspiration for many brave soldiers , is also an idol for Simran Bala. He displayed indomitable courage in repelling the Pakistani army during the war. Being a member of a military family and living in a border area , where gunfire and military activities are a part of everyday life, joining any force was a natural progression for Simran Bala.
Every year on January 26th, the Republic Day parade showcases India’s military might and cultural diversity as it marches along Kartavya Path from Raisina Hill to India Gate and then to the Red Fort. This year, a joint team of women ‘Daredevils’ from the CRPF and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) will also be a part of the parade, riding Enfield Bullet motorcycles.
