India is celebrating the 77th Republic Day on January 26. Amidst this patriotic fervour, the lens has turned towards Flight Lieutenant Akshita Dhankar, who stood alongside President Droupadi Murmu at Kartavya Path on Monday to unfurl the national flag. Speaking about the opportunity, Dhankar said she felt deeply honoured to unfurl the national flag alongside President Droupadi Murmu, calling it a moment of immense pride and responsibility.

"I feel honoured. We've been practising for more than two months. The practice has been rigorous. We've been waking up early. We've been going home late. I think in the end, it is all worth it. I feel this is what the armed forces stand for- courage, unity, and determination," Akshita told ANI.

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Who Is Flight Lieutenant Akshita Dhankar?

Born in Kasni village in Haryana, a region known for its strong military tradition and deep-rooted patriotism, Akshita Dhankar grew up inspired by the armed forces from a very young age. As a child, she was deeply fascinated by the Republic Day parade from a young age and dreamt of serving the nation one day. 

Coming to her educational qualifications, she studied at Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Khalsa College, Delhi University, where she joined the National Cadet Corps (NCC). Dhankar excelled during her tenure in NCC, achieving the rank of Cadet Sergeant Major (CSM), taking her close to the dream of joining the Indian armed forces. 

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After her college, Dhankar took the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT), the main entrance examination after graduation for officers. She passed the exam with flying colours and got a recommendation from the Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) in Mysore. 

She was selected for the Administration (ADM) branch under the AFCAT (W) 551 entry and was commissioned as a Flying Officer on June 17, 2023. Her service number is 38704 ADM. Dhankar belongs to the 211 Short Service Commission (Women) Ground Duty Course.

Akshita Dhankar was later promoted to the rank of Flight Lieutenant on merit. She currently works in the Administrative branch of the Indian Air Force where she handles key responsibilities vital to operational readiness, including personnel management, logistics and organisational coordination.