The limelight on the Mahila Battalion refuses to die down as they stand to guard the pride of the nation in various places of New Delhi.
They have taken the world by storm ever since they set foot into this metropolitan, significantly so, because they diligently chose to give their best securing the country during one of the greatest sporting events in the history of India.
Even before the Commonwealth Games opened to a grand ceremony, the 650 girls of the 15 NAP IR Mahila Battalion had already made their presence felt in the city, readying themselves to face the challenges of this Herculean task. Interestingly, this is their first assigned duty.
Engaged in the tasks of preventing, patrolling, explosive checking and securing Delhi Metro, Train Stations, etc, the 6 companies of the Mahila Battalion have won the admiration of everybody concerned. By now, they have become the centre of attraction even as they stand with courage in perfect looking uniforms, arms and ammunitions.
Aged from 18-25, they seem are far too young to be risking their lives in such a way, but when you catch up with them for a chat, their enthusiasm is unmistakable. Their smiles conceal all the struggles and hardship they may have encountered. It’s difficult not to see the excitement in Naro’s face as she informed that this is her first time in Delhi and pronounces further, “I feel so great to be a woman performing the same job that men do”.
She goes on to add that even though they are on duty for 8-9 hours everyday, they have the strength to carry on. “I am proud Naga on duty here,” she says.
Two of the girls I met on duty at the Delhi Emporium happily recounted their experiences. It’s a tough job they undertake each day with guns weighing heavy on their shoulders; however, they don’t seem to mind because their ‘happiness’ overshadows their tiredness even as Kaliho pronounces, “It’s extremely tiring but I am very happy”. She seems to forget the tougher aspect of being in the police force as her contentment draws the line clear.
She is the youngest in the family and her parents apparently found it difficult to come to terms with her choice of profession. But she says that it has always been her dream to be where she is. Without a tinge of regret, she stands there on duty not minding the Delhi heat or the new environment or the stares…only because her heart is set for a greater purpose.
Her companion Moasenla proudly exclaims ‘it is my first privilege’. I realise she would also give her all for the success of this duty.
And even as I stood there admiring their commitment, I knew it would make any Naga proud to just catch that glimpse. Too quickly, others come by and steal their attention, some look at them in awe and admiration, some finding the guts to request them for a picture pose.
Setting out to duty under the Command of Commandant Meren, if you’re in Delhi, you would find the girls of the Mahila Battalion in all the important places that attract foreign tourists and Indians alike. Their Commandant also voiced that ‘it’s a good experience and good exposure’.
Deputy Commandant of the Battalion said: “It’s a new experience and, this being their first assigned duty, they are happy and excited to be part of a great event.”
It is learnt that even the Delhi Police are impressed with the performance of the girls and so far not a single adverse remark has been made about the girls…the Deputy Commandant said.
The IRB girls have also generated much media interest and been featured in the Times of India, Hindustan Times, NDTV, ANI, etc, with more calls coming in for interviews.
They are scheduled to return to the home front soon after the CWG and will be put back to a month’s Commando Training which was earlier left pending for the duty call. However, with the skill and expertise they have already shown, they are definitely off to climb higher ladders of courage.
Even before the Commonwealth Games opened to a grand ceremony, the 650 girls of the 15 NAP IR Mahila Battalion had already made their presence felt in the city, readying themselves to face the challenges of this Herculean task. Interestingly, this is their first assigned duty.
Engaged in the tasks of preventing, patrolling, explosive checking and securing Delhi Metro, Train Stations, etc, the 6 companies of the Mahila Battalion have won the admiration of everybody concerned. By now, they have become the centre of attraction even as they stand with courage in perfect looking uniforms, arms and ammunitions.
Aged from 18-25, they seem are far too young to be risking their lives in such a way, but when you catch up with them for a chat, their enthusiasm is unmistakable. Their smiles conceal all the struggles and hardship they may have encountered. It’s difficult not to see the excitement in Naro’s face as she informed that this is her first time in Delhi and pronounces further, “I feel so great to be a woman performing the same job that men do”.
She goes on to add that even though they are on duty for 8-9 hours everyday, they have the strength to carry on. “I am proud Naga on duty here,” she says.
Two of the girls I met on duty at the Delhi Emporium happily recounted their experiences. It’s a tough job they undertake each day with guns weighing heavy on their shoulders; however, they don’t seem to mind because their ‘happiness’ overshadows their tiredness even as Kaliho pronounces, “It’s extremely tiring but I am very happy”. She seems to forget the tougher aspect of being in the police force as her contentment draws the line clear.
She is the youngest in the family and her parents apparently found it difficult to come to terms with her choice of profession. But she says that it has always been her dream to be where she is. Without a tinge of regret, she stands there on duty not minding the Delhi heat or the new environment or the stares…only because her heart is set for a greater purpose.
Her companion Moasenla proudly exclaims ‘it is my first privilege’. I realise she would also give her all for the success of this duty.
And even as I stood there admiring their commitment, I knew it would make any Naga proud to just catch that glimpse. Too quickly, others come by and steal their attention, some look at them in awe and admiration, some finding the guts to request them for a picture pose.
Setting out to duty under the Command of Commandant Meren, if you’re in Delhi, you would find the girls of the Mahila Battalion in all the important places that attract foreign tourists and Indians alike. Their Commandant also voiced that ‘it’s a good experience and good exposure’.
Deputy Commandant of the Battalion said: “It’s a new experience and, this being their first assigned duty, they are happy and excited to be part of a great event.”
It is learnt that even the Delhi Police are impressed with the performance of the girls and so far not a single adverse remark has been made about the girls…the Deputy Commandant said.
The IRB girls have also generated much media interest and been featured in the Times of India, Hindustan Times, NDTV, ANI, etc, with more calls coming in for interviews.
They are scheduled to return to the home front soon after the CWG and will be put back to a month’s Commando Training which was earlier left pending for the duty call. However, with the skill and expertise they have already shown, they are definitely off to climb higher ladders of courage.
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