Marking a departure from a three-century tradition, Major Divya Tyagi, a 31-year-old officer, is set to make history as the first woman to lead the all-men contingent of Bombay Sappers at the Republic Day parade in Delhi tomorrow.
Commissioned into the 115 Engineer Regiment of the Corps of Engineers eight years ago, Major Tyagi’s ascent to the role of Contingent Commander is hailed as a singular achievement.
The contingent, comprising an officer, two junior commissioned officers, and 144 Other Ranks, has tirelessly practiced for the parade over the last six months.
Major Tyagi, a B Tech graduate in Civil Engineering and married to an army officer, is currently posted at Bombay Engineering Group and Centre, Khadki, Pune district.
Her journey began at the Officers Training Academy, Chennai, where she excelled as the Academy Cadet Adjutant before joining the Bombay Sappers in September 2016.
The Bombay Sappers, informally known as the Bombay Engineer Group, is a regiment within the Corps of Engineers of the Indian Army.
With its origins tracing back to the Bombay Presidency army of the British Raj, the group has its centre in Khadki.
Established officially in 1820, the Bombay Engineering Group draws its lineage from the Pioneer Lascars raised in 1777 under the Bombay Presidency.
Known for their rich history, the group has received the highest gallantry awards, including the Victoria Cross, Medaille Militaire, Param Vir Chakra, and the Ashok Chakra, both before and after Independence.
Major Tyagi’s historic role as the Contingent Commander symbolises a progressive stride for the Bombay Sappers, breaking gender barriers and exemplifying the spirit of inclusivity in the Indian Army.
