Republic Day 2026: Meet Akshita Dhankar — IAF officer who unfurled tricolour with President Murmu

Flight Lieutenant in the Indian Air Force, Akshita Dhankar, created history after she unfurled the national flag alongside President Droupadi Murmu at the 77th Republic Day parade on Monday. The moment symbolised the dedication, perseverance, and the expanding role of women in India’s armed forces.

Dhankar grew up in a small village in Haryana and dreamed of serving her country after watching the Republic Day parade as a child. She was born in Kansi village, a region known for its deep military traditions, recalls how her childhood dreams of joining the armed forces.

“My father had participated in the parade, and that left a lasting impression on me. I always wanted to serve the nation and wear the uniform,” she told News18 Hindi. She insisted that her journey from Kasni to Kartavya Path was built on discipline and perseverance.

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#WATCH | Delhi: Flight Lieutenant Akshita Dhankar to unfurl the national flag alongside President Droupadi Murmu on Republic Day.

She says, “On this Republic Day, I have been given the opportunity to unfurl the national flag with President Droupadi Murmu. This is a very good… pic.twitter.com/MgDgQffDts

— ANI (@ANI) January 22, 2026

The woman who unfurled the flag with the president

Dhankar studied at Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Khalsa College, Delhi University, where she joined the National Cadet Corps (NCC). She then excelled to the rank of Cadet Sergeant Major (CSM), with her unit fondly remembering her as “Ex-CSM” for her inspirational leadership.

Dhankar cleared the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) and received a recommendation from the Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) in Mysore. She was later commissioned as a Flying Officer in the Administration branch (M AFCAT W-551 entry) on June 17, 2023, with service number 38704 ADM, as part of the 211 Short Service Commission (Women) Ground Duty Course.

She quickly earned promotion to Flight Lieutenant, overseeing crucial administrative operations including personnel management, logistics, and coordination. This year, she participated in the Republic Day parade, marking a special focus on women’s participation.

“On this Republic Day, I have been given the opportunity to unfurl the national flag with President Murmu. This is a very good feeling. I feel honoured. We’ve been practising for more than two months. The practice has been rigorous. We’ve been waking up early and going home late. In the end, it is all worth it. This is what the armed forces stand for, courage, unity, and determination,” Dhankar told last week during an interaction with the media.

“I believe this occasion, especially on a national platform like 26 January, will inspire the youth as they witness the flypast, parade, and the efforts of the entire contingent, encouraging them to join the Indian Air Force,” she added.