Last Updated:
Flight Lieutenant from Haryana, Akshita Dhankar will participate in the 77th Republic Day parade, where she will hoist the national flag alongside the President.
Akshita Dhankar quickly earned the rank of Flight Lieutenant, awarded through merit-based promotion. (Image: ANI)
Akshita Dhankar’s name is making waves nationwide. As a Flight Lieutenant in the Indian Air Force, she will raise the national flag alongside President Draupadi Murmu at the 77th Republic Day parade on January 26, 2026. Dhankar’s journey began as an ordinary girl and reached the nation’s highest stage, setting an example for many young people.
Dhankar was born in Kasni village, Haryana, a region known for its strong military presence and deep patriotism. As a child, she watched the Republic Day parade and dreamed of serving the country. Inspired by her father’s own participation in the parade, Dhankar’s desire to don a uniform was solidified by these childhood memories, reported News18 Hindi.
She studied at Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Khalsa College, Delhi University, where she joined the National Cadet Corps (NCC), India’s largest youth organisation that fosters discipline, leadership, and a spirit of service. Dhankar excelled, achieving the rank of Cadet Sergeant Major (CSM). Her NCC unit fondly remembers her as “Ex-CSM” for her inspirational leadership. The NCC’s rigorous training prepared her for a military career.
Determined to serve the nation, Dhankar took the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT), the main entry route for officers. She passed the exam and received a recommendation from the Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) in Mysore.
She was selected in the Administration (ADM) branch under the M AFCAT (W) 551 entry and was commissioned as a flying officer on June 17, 2023. Her service number is 38704 ADM, and she is part of the 211 Short Service Commission (Women) Ground Duty Course.
Akshita Dhankar quickly earned the rank of Flight Lieutenant, awarded through merit-based promotion. In the Administration branch, she manages tasks essential to operational readiness, including personnel management, logistics, and organisational coordination.
In 2026, Dhankar will participate in the 77th Republic Day parade, where she will hoist the national flag alongside the President. This event, focusing on women’s participation, marks the first inclusion of women in the Air Force band and the “Sindoor” fighter formation, honouring Operation Sindoor.
“On this Republic Day, I have been given the opportunity to unfurl the national flag with President Droupadi 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. We’ve been going home late. I think in the end, it is all worth it. I feel this is what the armed forces stand for- courage, unity, and determination…” she told ANI.
Dhankar’s selection has sparked celebrations in her village of Kasni, Haryana. A local event saw young girls singing a song in her honour, with the video going viral on social media. Her story shows how someone from a small village can rise to serve the nation, inspiring many, especially young girls.
January 23, 2026, 19:21 IST
Read More
