Meet Captain Tania Shergill – The Determined Young Woman Officer Who Led All-Men Contingents Parade During Republic Day
(Sporting a khaki uniform and holding a ceremonial sword, Captain Tania Shergill marched down before an august target audience at the Cariappa Parade Ground in Delhi Cantonment)
A young female officer was named the parade adjutant for the annual Army Day parade for the first time in the history of the country. In addition to having been given the charge of conducting the complete parade of 15 January, Captain Tania Shergill was also assigned with the Corps of Signals in 2017 and she also assumed responsibility for the role during the parade of Republic Day on 26 January of leading the all-men contingents parade.
Captain Shergill, who holds a degree in electronics and telecommunications from Nagpur and coming from a family that has a long history of service, has set a new precedent, perhaps signaling a new era of greater integration of women into the Indian Army. Her father has been a part of the hundred and first Medium (Artillery) Regiment when her grandfather was in the 14th (Scinde Horse) Army Battalion. Significantly, inside the Sikh Regiment become her excellent grandfather.
Captain Shergill says she initially joined TCS after graduation, but deep inside she never really wanted to join it, because she wanted to join the Indian Army right from the beginning.
Once asked if they were allowed to enter the war forces of the army, she replied, “All depends on the basis of seniority of hierarchy. Whatever resources we get, we’re happy to work under that and try to give our best in that.” She said “It’s not patriarchal, but she finds places that are open to women in a male-dominated society. You feel thankful and lucky if you get such a chance. You will give your best when you get on the field.”
The Punjab-born brave girl did her training in multiple cities and lists art, tour and music amongst her hobbies. When requested what recommendation she had for young women who are chasing their vision, Shergill said: “If we contribute our uniforms, we are handiest servants of the country, gender is then immaterial and the whole lot is important.
Captain Shergill insists that the most effective efforts should be created to realize these activities, irrespective of the gender. “Things happen increasingly within the army, nothing happens overnight. I’m assured things can improve within the close to future and we’ll get additional prospects, “she added.
2019 was a wonderful year for female officers in India, and 2020 started fantastically when in a women’s contingent all three forces –marines, armies, and air forces-marched together.
Women like Captain Tania Shergill are a source of encouragement and inspiration for young women in our country who are trying to establish a respectable position for themselves and a distinct and independent identity of their own.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR: This article is written by Snehil Patel, our intern.
