Friends, a lot of people say that the Govt. does a lot of things just for symbolism. I do not agree as I feel that a small step taken on a larger platform leaves a lasting impression on the minds of the entire nation. In the followup to the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao campaign, Wing Commander Pooja Thakur led the Guard of Honor for President Barack Obama on his arrival in New Delhi for our Republic Day. This was the first such occasion when a visiting dignitary was welcomed by a women officer. I am certain that parents of girls across the nation would have seen their daughter in Pooja Thakur. Small steps like these would help us reduce female infanticide tremendously and restore balance in the society. Indian women are capable of leading the nation in every area and I eagerly await the day when they would be allowed to join the combat operations of the Indian Army. The pride that we take in saying ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ must reflect in the way we treat our women. Jai Hind 

– Dhananjai Singh Khimsar