Akshita Dhankar Hoists Tricolour with President on Republic Day 2026

Overview: Indian Air Force Flight Lieutenant Akshita Dhankar made history by unfurling the national Tricolour at the 77th Republic Day parade at Kartavya Path, New Delhi. She performed the honour alongside President Droupadi Murmu, marking a rare ceremonial distinction. The moment highlighted women’s growing leadership role in India’s armed forces.

Riyaz

Jan-27-2026

Akshita Dhankar Hoists Tricolour with President on Republic Day 2026

In Republic Day 2026, the headline was dominated by the Indian Air Force Flight Lieutenant Akshita Dhankar unfurling the national Tricolour to open the 77 th Republic Day parade at Kartavya Path in New Delhi in the company of President Droupadi Murmu. This is a rare ceremonial award of honour, which shows her commitment, discipline, and control as an IAF officer. Dhankar does have a serious dedication to service, as seen in her life path as a woman of a Haryana village through NCC training to commissioning. The fact that she is part of the team also represents the increasing role of women in the military and a significant national pride at the flagship Indian Republic Day parade.

Who is Akshita Dhankar?

Akshita Dhankar is an Indian Air Force officer who unfurled the national Tricolour together with President Droupadi Murmu during the parade on the Independence Day of the 77 th Republic of India.
She was born in Kasni village, Haryana, which is a military tradition area.
Through this, she exhibited the leadership trait at an early age, as Dhankar enrolled at Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Khalsa College, University of Delhi, having joined the National Cadet Corps (NCC) and later becoming Cadet Sergeant Major.
She passed the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) and became a Flying Officer in June 2023.
She rose to the rank of flight lieutenant through merit and works in the IAF Administration branch.

Last Years of PYQs Asked of the Air Force

Exam / Paper	Question	Answer
AFCAT (GK)	Who was the first Indian Air Chief to command the Indian Air Force?	Subroto Mukerjee
AFCAT (GK)	Consider: (I) IAF established on 8 Oct 1932, (II) First Indian Chief took charge on 1 Apr 1954. Which is correct?	Both I & II are true
Air Force / Agniveer	In which year was the Indian Air Force established?	1932
SSC CGL Tier-I	Flying Officer of the Indian Air Force who became the first Indian woman to fly solo in a MiG-21?	Avani Chaturvedi
SSC / Bank / Railway GK	On which day is Indian Air Force Day celebrated every year?	8 October
SSC / Bank / Railway GK	Which was the first operational squadron of the Indian Air Force?	No. 1 Squadron
SSC / Bank / Railway GK	What prefix was conferred on the Indian Air Force in recognition of World War II service?	Royal
SSC / Bank / Railway GK	Which officer was the first five-star rank holder of the Indian Air Force?	Arjan Singh
SSC / Bank / Railway GK	Where is the Indian Air Force Academy located?	Hyderabad

Conclusion (Akshita Dhankar Hoists Tricolour with President)

The hoisting of the Tricolour by Flight Lieutenant Akshita Dhankar with President Droupadi Murmu on Republic Day 2026 is a historic and inspirational one. Her accomplishment not only puts women in the limelight of the Indian Armed Forces but also illustrates discipline and leadership, and it is a beacon of national pride, coming out to the generations to come and giving them the hope they need in serving the country.