New Delhi, Jan. 23 -- Assistant commandant Simran Bala, a 26-year-old officer of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), will lead an all-male marching contingent at the Republic Day parade on January 26, officials said, marking a first for the country's largest central armed police force and a milestone in the gradual reshaping of leadership norms within uniformed services. Bala, who hails from Nowshera in J&K's Rajouri district, was selected after a rigorous, multi-stage evaluation that included weeks of rehearsals, full-dress drills and command assessments along Kartavya Path. She will command a contingent of more than 140 male personnel drawn from operational units of the CRPF. Bala described the opportunity as both an honour and a responsibility. "I feel truly honoured to get the opportunity to lead the CRPF contingent at this national-level ceremony in the Republic of India," she said. Preparations, she added, began over a month ago. "We had rigorous drill practices with specific concentration on each individual. We focused on team cohesion, precision and on how commands are taken and executed. I hope all of this reflects on the final day," Bala told HT. The role is among the most visible ceremonial responsibilities in India's security establishment and has traditionally been assigned to senior male officers. While women have previously led women-only or mixed contingents, commanding a fully male formation remains rare across uniformed forces. Bala joined the CRPF after clearing the UPSC's Central Armed Police Forces (Assistant Commandants) examination on her first attempt, securing a rank within the top 100. She completed her training at the CRPF Academy in Gurugram, where instructors rated her among the strongest performers of her batch, citing discipline, leadership qualities and communication skills. Raised in a district that has witnessed frequent cross-border firing, Bala said her upbringing played a big role in shaping her aspirations. "Growing up, I was surrounded by men and women in uniform. That atmosphere always inspired me," she said. On the evolving role of women within the force, Bala said her experience reinforced the view that opportunities are increasingly being decided by merit rather than gender. "CRPF has always been a pioneer in promoting gender equality. Over the years, the force has moved towards a more inclusive system where responsibilities and opportunities are assigned purely on merit," she said, pointing to the raising of women battalions and the induction of women into operational roles....