Meet Wing Commander Pooja Thakur: First Woman to Command Tri-Services Guard of Honour
On 25 January 2015, Wing Commander Pooja Thakur etched her name into the annals of Indian military history. As the first woman officer to command the prestigious Tri-Services Guard of Honour at Rashtrapati Bhavan, she led a contingent of over 100 personnel from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force during the ceremonial welcome for United States President Barack Obama. This landmark event, coinciding with the theme of “Nari Shakti” (women’s power) for India’s Republic Day celebrations, symbolised a significant stride towards gender equality within the armed forces.
Early Life and Formative Influences
Born in 1979 in Ajmer, Rajasthan, Pooja Thakur hails from a distinguished defence family. Her father served as a Colonel in the Indian Army, instilling in her a deep respect for military service from an early age. Frequent relocations across India during her childhood cultivated exceptional adaptability, resilience, and a profound passion for travel and adventure—qualities that would later define her professional journey. She belongs to the Rajput community and identifies as Hindu.
Education and Entry into the Indian Air Force
Pooja Thakur pursued higher education alongside her burgeoning military career. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU), Amritsar (1996–1999), followed by a Master of Arts in English (GNDU, 2000–2002). She later completed an MBA in Personnel Management from Symbiosis (2005–2006), a Certificate in Media Communication from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Delhi (2012), and additional management studies at the Management Development Institute (MDI), Gurgaon.
She joined the Indian Air Force in 2000 and was commissioned on 16 June 2001 into the Administrative Branch as part of the 17th Short Service Commission (Women) Ground Duty Course (Service No. 26611). She rose steadily through the ranks, attaining the rank of Wing Commander on 16 June 2014. Her service, which spanned approximately 15 years (primarily 2001–2016, with extensions following legal proceedings), focused on administrative, personnel management, procurement, media relations, digitalisation, and public relations roles at Air Headquarters.
Trailblazing Contributions and Adventurous Spirit
Beyond routine duties, Wing Commander Thakur made notable contributions to enhancing the Indian Air Force’s public image. She played a key role in initiatives such as the development of India’s first IAF-themed 3D air-combat video game, Guardians of the Skies, as well as mobile applications, road adventure drives, and mobile exhibitions.
An accomplished adventurer, she was an active member of the IAF Women Skydiving Team. She began skydiving in 1999 and became the first woman officer to skydive from a microlight aircraft in 2001. She is also proficient in deep-sea diving, bungee jumping, rafting, skiing, and paragliding.
The Historic Moment: 25 January 2015
Selected just days before the event, Wing Commander Thakur commanded the Tri-Services Guard of Honour with precision and poise. She issued commands during the national anthems and the 21-gun salute, then escorted President Obama as he inspected the contingent. Reflecting on the occasion, she later stated in interviews: “It was a very happy and proud moment… I wasn’t nervous. We are always prepared.” She emphasised that the milestone was not merely personal but inspirational for women aspiring to join the defence services, noting that women in uniform routinely lead large teams of men across various operational contexts.
The event garnered widespread national and international acclaim, highlighting the evolving role of women in India’s armed forces.
Professional Challenges and Legal Resolution
In 2016, as a Short Service Commission officer, Wing Commander Thakur faced denial of a Permanent Commission, prompting her to approach the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) in New Delhi. She alleged bias and arbitrariness in the decision. The IAF contended that she had declined an earlier offer in 2012. In July 2017, the AFT ordered her reinstatement with continuity of service and directed the Air Force to consider her for permanent commission without prejudice. Subsequent interventions, including directions from the Supreme Court in 2019, ensured she received full service benefits. She eventually retired as a Wing Commander.
Post-Retirement Endeavours
Since her retirement, Wing Commander Pooja Thakur has channelled her experiences into motivational speaking and corporate training. She has delivered two TEDx talks—“Pushing Yourself To Your Limit” (2015) and “The Power to Choose, the Power to Change” (2017)—and has addressed diverse audiences on themes of leadership, women’s empowerment, resilience, and defence service life. She has appeared on platforms such as Josh Talks and various news channels, inspiring countless young professionals and students.
Her contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including the Rani Laxmi Bai Bravery Award from the Uttar Pradesh Government and recognition in women’s empowerment forums. She has also served as a jury member for NITI Aayog initiatives.
Enduring Legacy
Wing Commander Pooja Thakur’s journey exemplifies courage, professionalism, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. By shattering glass ceilings in one of the most traditional institutions of the nation, she has paved the way for future generations of women officers. Her story remains a powerful testament to the transformative impact of determination and the ongoing evolution of opportunities within India’s armed forces. As she continues to motivate others through her public engagements, her legacy endures as a beacon of inspiration for leadership and empowerment.
