Capt Samira carries 4 generations of Army service to Kartavya Path

Chandigarh: A fourth-generation Army officer from Chandigarh, carrying a family legacy that stretches from the cavalry of British Indian Army to post-Independence gallantry and modern-day integrated warfare, was among the commanding faces of this year's Republic Day parade.Commissioned in 2021, Captain Samira Zeenat Buttar led the Integrated Operational Centre tableau themed on Operation Sindoor, a role that brought together her recent commissioning, a rare multi-decorated military lineage, and a contemporary operational showcase at the national ceremony.Captain Buttar's great-grandfather served with the legendary 4th Hodson's Horse in British Indian Army. Her grandfather, Brigadier Sampuran Singh, then a Lieutenant Colonel, earned the uncommon distinction of being awarded both the Mahavir Chakra and Vir Chakra in the 1965 Indo-Pak war. He later raised the 19 Punjab Regiment and remained in service until he passed away in 1971 due to battle casualties sustained during the 1965 conflict.The lineage continued with her father, Sarbjeet Singh, an officer with the 8 Mechanised Infantry. Captain Buttar is the only child in the family and the fourth successive generation to wear the Olive Green.A graduate from Army Institute of Law, Mohali, she is currently pursuing a PhD from the same institution. She credits her early grounding in discipline to her schooling at Lawrence School, Sanawar. "As a boarding school student, I knew no other way of life than discipline," Captain Buttar said. "Routine, structure and accountability were part of everyday life, and that shaped how I approached responsibility."