Disha Amrith, lieutenant commander (Lt Cdr) in the Indian Navy, will head the naval contingent in the Republic Day parade. 144 young navy soldiers and a Narishakti tableau are part of the contingent. The group will also include five Agniveer men and three female officers. Lt Cdr Disha Amrith will be accompanied by Sub Lt Valli Meena as well.

Disha is the daughter of Amrith Kumar and Leela Amrith, who live in the city’s Tilak Nagar neighbourhood close to Boloor. From an early age, she cherished the dream of becoming a navy officer. In a Canara educational facility, she finished primary school and then continued on to PUC. She enlisted in the NCC while still in high school. Since Canara didn’t have an NCC unit at the time, she used to receive her training there.