Captain Harshita Raghav to lead special animal contingent on R Day 2026 (Photo: India Sentinels)
New Delhi: Captain Harshita Raghav of the Indian Army’s Remount Veterinary Corps (RVC) will command a uniquely curated animal contingent at the 77th Republic Day parade on Kartavya Path.
A second-generation Army officer and among the first women inducted into the RVC, she will lead a diverse lineup featuring raptors trained for anti-drone roles, Bactrian camels, Zanskar ponies, mounted cavalry, and indigenous Indian dog breeds.
Belonging to Madhya Pradesh’s capital Bhopal, Capt Harshita is a graduate in Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry. Her participation marks a historic moment, as the RVC’s special animal contingent will take part in the Republic Day parade for the first time since the corps was raised.
The Remount Veterinary Corps is responsible for the breeding, training, and care of all military animals, including horses, mules, and dogs. This year’s uniquely curated contingent includes two Bactrian camels, four Zanskar ponies, four raptors, and multiple army dogs representing five indigenous breeds.
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Speaking about her journey, Capt Harshita said that joining the RVC fulfilled her childhood dream of becoming an Army officer while working closely with animals as a veterinarian. “Being the first woman officer in the corps was a moment of immense pride for me and my family. The Army is a gender-neutral force, where an officer is an officer, irrespective of gender,” she said.
She added that the RVC has become a centre of attraction due to its distinctive contingent. “Our animals undergo specialized training based on neuroscience principles. They are highly trainable, and we constantly refine our methods through experience to make them operationally ready.”
The RVC’s canine units – comprising both indigenous and standard breeds – undertake a wide range of operational roles, including explosive detection, tracking, avalanche rescue, and counterterrorism operations.
Indigenous breeds now widely inducted into service include the Mudhol hound, Rampur hound, Chippiparai hound, Kombai watchdog, and Rajapalayam hound.
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The Bactrian camels, also known as double-humped camels, are the Army’s next-generation pack animals, capable of operating in the harsh terrain of Ladakh. They can function at altitudes above 15,000 feet and carry loads of up to 250 kilograms in extreme cold and low-oxygen conditions.
Renowned for their endurance in high-altitude environments, Zanskar ponies can carry 40–60 kilograms and routinely support patrols covering distances of up to 70 kilometres a day.
