Border Town's Pride: Simran Bala Creates Republic Day History with CRPF Command
In a remarkable achievement that has brought immense pride to a small border community, Simran Bala, a 26-year-old Assistant Commandant of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), is set to make Republic Day history. Hailing from Naushera in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district, just kilometers from the Line of Control, Bala will command an all-male CRPF contingent of more than 140 personnel on Kartavya Path during the national celebrations.
From Border Classrooms to National Stage
Bala's educational journey began in her hometown, where she completed schooling up to Class 10 before moving to Jammu for higher secondary education. She pursued a bachelor's degree in Political Science from Government Women's College, Gandhinagar, Jammu, where her professional aspirations took shape during her final semester. It was then that she began preparing for the Union Public Service Commission's Central Armed Police Forces examination, one of India's most challenging competitive tests.
"I am the only girl from Jammu and Kashmir to crack this examination this year. I feel very proud and grateful," Bala told ANI in 2023. "Being from the border area of Jammu and Kashmir, I have seen cross-border firing in my region. This has motivated me to join the CAPF so that I can serve in the border area as well."
First Attempt Success and Rapid Rise
Bala's dedication yielded immediate results. On her very first attempt, she secured an All India Rank of 82 among 151 qualified candidates, emerging as the only woman from Jammu and Kashmir to clear the examination that year. This achievement marked the formal beginning of her career in uniform.
After being appointed as Assistant Commandant, she underwent intensive training at the CRPF Academy in Gurugram, where she was recognized as the best officer in training and received an award for public lectures. She formally joined the CRPF in April 2025 and received her first posting with Chhattisgarh's Bastariya Battalion, taking charge of anti-Naxal operations—an early transition from academy drills to frontline responsibilities.
Family Support and Digital Empowerment
Reflecting on her journey, Bala emphasized the crucial role of support systems and modern technology. "My parents, teachers and many people supported me. Hard work, perseverance and consistency helped me in my approach towards this exam," she told ANI.
She also highlighted how digital access has democratized opportunity: "This is an all-India level examination. It does not matter whether you are from a border area or from any metropolitan city—you will be able to crack it thanks to the age of internet."
A Historic Republic Day Moment
January 26 will mark a defining milestone not just in Bala's career but in CRPF history. While women officers have led Republic Day contingents before, this will be the first time a woman officer commands a formation composed entirely of male personnel at the national parade.
Back home in Rajouri, the achievement has drawn neighbors and relatives to celebrate with her family. Her father, Vinod Chowdhary, told PTI: "This is a proud day for me as a parent. Living near the border did not stop her; she worked day and night to achieve her goal." He noted that she represents the third generation in their family to serve the nation in uniform.
Inspiring Future Generations
Bala's mother, Srishta Devi, had a message for parents across India: "I want to tell all parents to support their daughters. Daughters are moving ahead in every field; they just need encouragement and support."
Family members describe Bala as calm, focused, and quietly determined. Her sister, Shail Bala, shared with PTI: "She always says she may be the first, but she will not be the last." This sentiment reflects Bala's belief that her path will inspire others to follow in the coming years.
From Political Science classrooms to counter-insurgency operations, and now to commanding a Republic Day contingent, Simran Bala's education-led rise demonstrates how perseverance, preparation, and purpose can shape an extraordinary career that breaks barriers and sets new precedents for women in uniform across India.
