When the Republic Day Parade unfolds at Kartavya Path this year, one young Indian Army officer will lead her contingent while carrying a deeply personal story of resilience and duty. Captain Samira Buttar, the Contingent Commander of the Integrated Operations Centre tableau at the 77th Republic Day Parade, is set to march despite recently losing her father.
A fourth-generation officer, Captain Buttar stepped into this prestigious role following the demise of her father, Colonel Sarabjeet Singh Buttar (retd). The loss has kept her family away from the national celebration, yet the officer chose not to step back—opting instead to honour her father through service.
Calling her Republic Day role a personal tribute, Captain Buttar said the opportunity holds special meaning for her. The demanding training schedule and repeated rehearsals became a source of strength, allowing her to transform grief into resolve while upholding the Army’s ethos of Service Before Self.
Captain Buttar comes from a proud military lineage. Her grandfather, Brigadier Sampuran Singh Buttar (retd) of the 19 Punjab Regiment, is a Maha Vir Chakra awardee, while her great-grandfather, Risaldar Major Rattan Singh, served in the cavalry. Raised in Chandigarh, she said her desire to join the armed forces took shape early in life.
Speaking about the tableau she commands, Captain Buttar explained that it highlights the success of Operation Sindoor, reflecting coordinated planning, national unity, and operational readiness. The Integrated Operations Centre display represents a collective effort involving leadership, armed forces, and indigenous capabilities—underlining the strength of an Atmanirbhar Indian Army.
Though her family will not witness the parade from the stands this year, Captain Buttar said she believes her father would have taken pride in seeing her lead from the front.
As she marches down Kartavya Path, Captain Samira Buttar’s presence serves as a quiet reminder that in the Indian Army, commitment to duty often rises above personal hardship—turning moments of loss into lasting examples of courage and service.
