Captain Samira Zeenat Buttar, a fourth-generation Indian Army officer from Chandigarh, participated in the Republic Day parade at Kartavya Path as a commanding figure in the Integrated Operational Centre tableau.
She was commissioned into the Indian Army in 2021 and represents continuity of military service across four generations of her family.
Family Military Lineage
Captain Buttar’s great-grandfather served with the 4th Hodson’s Horse in the British Indian Army.
Her grandfather, Brigadier Sampuran Singh, served in the Indian Army and was awarded both the Mahavir Chakraand the Vir Chakra for his role in the 1965 Indo-Pak war.
He later raised the 19 Punjab Regiment and remained in service until his death in 1971 due to battle-related injuries sustained during the 1965 conflict.
Her father, Sarbjeet Singh, served as an officer in the 8 Mechanised Infantry.
Captain Buttar is the only child in her family and the fourth successive generation to serve in the Indian Army.
Role at the Republic Day Parade
At the Republic Day parade, Captain Buttar led the Integrated Operational Centre tableau, which depicted coordinated planning and operational control in contemporary military operations.
The tableau represented how modern military operations are planned and executed through integrated systems rather than single-arm deployments.
Education and Training
Captain Buttar completed her training at the Officers Training Academy, Chennai, before being commissioned into the Army in 2021.
She pursued a degree in law from the Army Institute of Law, Mohali.
She is currently pursuing a PhD at the same institution, focusing on the study of military law in India.
She is an alumna of the Lawrence School, Sanawar.
Personal Statements
Captain Buttar said:
“As a boarding school student, I knew no other way of life than discipline,”
She also said:
“Routine, structure and accountability were part of everyday life, and that shaped how I approached responsibility.”
She further stated:
“You learn to manage yourself early. That stays with you.”
Context
Captain Buttar’s participation in the Republic Day parade brought together her recent commissioning, family military lineage, and representation of contemporary operational concepts displayed during the national ceremony.