Squadron Leader Manisha Padhi Appointed India's First Female Aide-De-Camp to Mizoram Governor

On December 4 this year, Squadron Leader Manisha Padhi was named the Aide-De-Camp (ADC) to Mizoram's Governor, Hari Babu Kambhampati, in a milestone appointment. This makes her the first female officer of the Indian Armed Forces to serve in this capacity for a Governor in India.

A Historic First In India

The formal investiture ceremony took place on November 29 at Raj Bhawan in Aizawl, where Governor Kambhampati bestowed the honorary title upon Squadron Leader Padhi. Having previously been stationed at Air Force bases in Bidar, Pune, and Bhatinda, Squadron Leader Padhi assumed her new role and reported to the Governor during the ceremony, where she was introduced to the officers and staff of the Raj Bhavan in Aizawl.

A 2015 batch Indian Air Force (IAF) officer, Squadron Leader Padhi hails from Berhampur, Ganjam district, Odisha, and is an alumna of CV Raman College of Engineering, Bhubaneswar. Her parents reside in Bhubaneswar.

(Picture courtesy: DIPR/Mizoram)

Who Is An 'Aide-de-Camp'?

The title 'Aide-de-Camp' refers to an officer in the armed forces who assists a higher-ranking officer. In India. The Aide-de-Camp is an honorary designation, and those serving or retired from this role use the post-nominal letters ADC. The number of aides-de-camp varies for different dignitaries. For instance, service chiefs, including those of the Army, Navy, and Air Staff, typically have three aides-de-camp. The President has five, including three from the Army and one each from the Navy and the Air Force. In the context of state governors, two aides-de-camp are appointed, with one each from the Indian Armed Forces and the Indian and state police services. However, in Jammu and Kashmir, both aides-de-camp to the governor are selected from the Indian Army.