Meet Flight Lieutenant Akshita Dhankar, Who Will Unfurl the National Flag with President Droupadi Murmu on Republic Day
Flight Lieutenant Akshita Dhankar stands as a shining example of a new generation of women officers in the Indian Air Force (IAF)—young professionals who blend strong personal roots with modern military excellence. On January 26, 2026, she will step into the national spotlight when she assists the President of India in unfurling the Tricolour at Kartavya Path, a moment that symbolises India’s sovereignty, unity, and the quiet dedication of its armed forces.
Roots in Service and an Early Dream
Born in Kasni village of Haryana, Flight Lieutenant Dhankar hails from a region renowned for its deep association with the armed forces and a strong tradition of service. Growing up in the Jat heartland, she was influenced early by stories of discipline, duty, and national pride. A defining inspiration came from her father, who had once participated in a Republic Day parade—an experience that left a lasting impression on her.
Reflecting on those formative years, she has shared that the dream of standing on Kartavya Path began long ago. Her childhood admiration for the parade, combined with her father’s service experience, sowed the seeds for a career in uniform.
Leadership Through NCC and College Life
Her journey took a decisive turn during her college years at University of Delhi, where she studied at Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Khalsa College. There, she distinguished herself in the National Cadet Corps (NCC)—India’s premier youth organisation known for nurturing discipline, leadership, and a spirit of service.
Rising to the prestigious rank of Cadet Sergeant Major (CSM), Dhankar demonstrated organisational ability and calm leadership under pressure. Her NCC unit later acknowledged her achievements publicly, remembering her as an “Ex-CSM” who motivated fellow cadets by example. The quasi-military training of the NCC proved instrumental in preparing her mentally and physically for life in the armed forces.
Entry into the Indian Air Force
Determined to serve the nation in uniform, Dhankar appeared for the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT)—a competitive gateway to officer-level entry into the IAF. She cleared the examination and was subsequently recommended by the 2 Air Force Selection Board (AFSB), Mysore, for the Administration (ADM) branch under the M AFCAT (W) 551 entry.
She was commissioned as a Flying Officer on June 17, 2023, as part of the 211 Short Service Commission (Women) Ground Duty Course, bearing Service Number 38704 ADM. Authoritative defence records maintained by Bharat Rakshak confirm these details. Her progression to the rank of Flight Lieutenant in a relatively short span reflects both professional competence and the IAF’s merit-driven promotion system.
As an officer in the Administration branch, she shoulders responsibilities crucial to operational readiness—covering personnel management, logistics, and organisational coordination that keep the Air Force functioning seamlessly behind the scenes.
Republic Day 2026: A National Honour
Flight Lieutenant Dhankar largely remained away from public attention until her selection for the 77th Republic Day Parade. On January 26, 2026, she will assist the President of India in unfurling the national flag at Kartavya Path—one of the highest ceremonial honours bestowed during peacetime service.
Her role places her at the centre of a Republic Day parade that strongly highlights the evolving face of the Indian Air Force. The parade will feature historic firsts, including the participation of women Agniveers in the Air Force band contingent and the presence of key operational displays such as the ‘Sindoor’ fighter formation, commemorating Operation Sindoor—a joint effort of India’s armed forces.
In her own words, the preparation for the parade has been intense and demanding. Months of early mornings and late evenings, she says, have been driven by a shared sense of purpose. For her, the opportunity to represent the Air Force on such a stage makes every hardship worthwhile.
Inspiration Beyond the Parade Ground
Back in her hometown of Kasni, her selection has sparked quiet celebration. A local community event—where young girls sang in her honour—captured the pride felt across the village. The widely shared video symbolised how a journey that began in a rural setting has now reached the heart of national ceremony, offering a powerful message to aspiring youth, especially young women.
Flight Lieutenant Dhankar views her role as more than a personal milestone. She hopes it encourages young Indians to consider the armed forces as a viable and honourable career path. Her story also mirrors the broader transformation within the Indian Air Force, where women have steadily expanded their presence—first as pilots in 1994, later in ground duties, and now across increasingly diverse roles.
A Reflection of Change in the Indian Air Force
As of 2026, women constitute roughly 13 percent of IAF personnel—a figure that continues to grow through policy reforms and initiatives like the Agnipath scheme. While challenges remain, particularly in expanding combat roles, the visibility of officers like Flight Lieutenant Dhankar at national events signals meaningful progress toward inclusivity and parity.
Flight Lieutenant Akshita Dhankar’s journey is one of steady commitment rather than sudden acclaim. From NCC drills and selection boards to the grandeur of Republic Day, her path underscores how dedication, discipline, and belief in service can transform a childhood dream into a moment of national pride. As India’s armed forces continue to modernise, stories like hers inspire confidence in a future that is both inclusive and resolutely committed to the nation.
