NEW DELHI: Just a few kilometres from the Line of Control, a small village in Rajouri district is preparing for a proud moment this Republic Day. Simran Bala, a 26-year-old Assistant Commandant in the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), will lead an all-male CRPF contingent on Kartavya Path in New Delhi on January 26.Bala is the first woman from Rajouri district to join the CRPF as an officer. She comes from Nowshera sector, a border area that has long lived with the realities of conflict and uncertainty.Her family says the moment feels unreal. Relatives and neighbours have been visiting their home to congratulate them ahead of the parade.“Her journey from the border village of Nowshera to Kartavya Path has been challenging, but she has made us all proud,” her sister Shail Bala said.While women CRPF officers have commanded Republic Day contingents earlier, this is the first time a woman officer will lead a contingent of over 140 male personnel at the national parade.Bala’s father, Vinod Chowdhary, said her achievement is the result of years of hard work and discipline.“This is a proud day for me as a parent. Living near the border did not stop her; she worked day and night to achieve her goal,” he told news agency PTI.He added that the family always supported and encouraged her, and that she represents the third generation in the family to serve the nation in uniform.Her mother, Srishta Devi, said the family is overwhelmed by the response from the village. “I want to tell all parents to support their daughters. Daughters are moving ahead in every field; they just need encouragement and support,” she said.Bala’s uncle, Shanti Bhushan, a retired soldier, said her success reflects the growing educational awareness in border areas like Nowshera. “It is a proud moment when girls bring glory to the village, family and the country,” he said.Describing her personality, her sister said Bala has always been calm, focused and hardworking. “She always says she may be the first, but she will not be the last,” she said, hoping more girls from the region will follow her path.
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