Squadron Leader Manisha Padhi Shatters Glass Ceiling, Gets Appointed As India's First Female Aide-de-Camp

Squadron Leader Manisha Padhi, a 2015 batch officer of the Indian Air Force (IAF), achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first female officer in India to be appointed as Aide-de-Camp (ADC).

This appointment marks a significant moment in the nation's military history.

On 29 November, Hari Babu Kambhampati, the Governor of Mizoram, officially appointed Squadron Leader Padhi to the prestigious position during a ceremony at Raj Bhawan in Aizawl, the state capital.

The Governor's office released an official statement confirming her appointment as India's first female ADC to a Governor from the Indian Armed Forces.

Squadron Leader Padhi assumed her duties on 29 November, reporting directly to the Governor. She was formally introduced to the officers and staff of Raj Bhavan in Aizawl, commencing her new role.

Before this landmark appointment, Squadron Leader Padhi served at various Air Force stations, including Bidar, Pune, and Bhatinda. Her diverse experience across different stations underscores her distinguished career in the IAF.

In India, the title of Aide-de-Camp is an honour, and individuals holding this position, both current and former, are entitled to use the post-nominal letters 'ADC'.

The role is traditionally associated with high-ranking offices.

Service chiefs, such as the Chief of Army Staff, Navy, and Air Staff, typically have three aides-de-camp. In contrast, the president of India has five, including three from the Army and one each from the Navy and Air Force.

Additionally, there is one honorary ADC from the Territorial Army, reflecting the diverse composition of this prestigious role.