I led 144 men on Rajpath. This is an honour any army officer would dream about. We practiced for a month.

I was in Jammu and Kashmir just before being given this task. I had just returned from counter-insurgency duties when I was asked to lead my men on Army Day and Republic Day.

My wife, mother, sister, friends and many well wishers attended the parade to watch me lead the contingent.

As told to Josy Joseph

Also see: www.indianarmy.nic.in