New Delhi | The 77th Republic Day Parade at Kartavya Path this year showcased not only India’s military strength and modern weapon systems but also the evolving face of the Indian armed forces. Among the most striking moments of the parade was the leadership of key military contingents by officers who come from a legal education background, highlighting the armed forces’ growing embrace of diverse academic disciplines.
Lieutenant Amit Chaudhary and Assistant Commandant Laxita Singh emerged as two standout names, drawing widespread attention for leading their respective contingents with confidence and precision. Both officers are law graduates who chose to serve the nation in uniform after completing their legal studies.
From Law Universities to the Parade Ground
Lieutenant Amit Chaudhary led the Mixed Scouts Marching Contingent, a unique formation comprising soldiers from India’s high-altitude border regions. A graduate of the National Law Institute University (NLIU), Bhopal, Lieutenant Chaudhary joined the Indian Army through the Judge Advocate General (JAG) branch, which handles legal advisory, court-martial proceedings, and military law within the armed forces.
His journey carried a personal legacy as well. Lieutenant Chaudhary is a second-generation Army officer; his father had also participated in the Republic Day Parade in 1990. Having grown up witnessing the discipline and pageantry of the parade, leading a contingent at Kartavya Path in 2026 marked the fulfillment of a long-cherished dream.
The Mixed Scouts Contingent he commanded included personnel from Arunachal Scouts, Garhwal Scouts, Ladakh Scouts, Sikkim Scouts, Dogra Scouts, and Kumaon Scouts—units renowned for operating in some of the most challenging terrains in the country. Their participation in a combined format for the first time conveyed a strong message of unity, resilience, and operational readiness.
Coast Guard’s All-Women Contingent Led by a Law Graduate
Another highlight of the parade was the Indian Coast Guard’s all-women contingent, in which Assistant Commandant Laxita Singh played a leadership role. A law graduate from O.P. Jindal Global Law School, she joined the Indian Coast Guard and currently serves as an Assistant Commandant, contributing to maritime security and coastal surveillance.
Marching confidently along Kartavya Path, the women’s contingent symbolized both empowerment and professionalism. Their presence underscored the expanding leadership roles of women in uniformed services and demonstrated that academic excellence and operational leadership go hand in hand.
The Indian Coast Guard is responsible for safeguarding India’s vast coastline, conducting search and rescue operations, preventing smuggling, and tackling maritime crimes. The contingent’s participation in the parade highlighted the growing importance of maritime security in India’s overall defense strategy.
A Broader Message from Republic Day 2026
The 2026 Republic Day Parade, themed around “150 Years of Vande Mataram,” featured advanced military platforms, indigenous defense systems, and displays of international cooperation. Yet, amid the display of hardware and precision drills, the sight of law graduates leading military contingents sent a powerful message.
It reflected a modern armed forces ethos—one that values not only physical fitness and combat readiness but also intellectual diversity, education, and multidisciplinary expertise. The leadership of Lieutenant Amit Chaudhary and Assistant Commandant Laxita Singh illustrated that today’s Indian armed forces are open to talented youth from varied academic backgrounds, united by a shared commitment to serve the nation.
Their presence on Kartavya Path stood as an inspiring example for young aspirants across the country, proving that dedication to national service can take many paths, including from classrooms and law schools to the forefront of ceremonial and operational leadership.
