KBC I-Day Special With Women Officers Sparks Row — But Protocol, Precedent Show No Rule Broken

A Kaun Banega Crorepati Independence Day special featuring three women officers from the Army, Air Force and Navy has set off a political storm online. Critics claim it’s “government PR” after Operation Sindoor. Defence sources and veterans say the outrage is misplaced — the episode is sanctioned, ceremonial, and in line with past precedent.

The August 15 broadcast will feature Col Sofiya Qureshi (Army) and Wg Cdr Vyomika Singh (IAF) — who fronted Operation Sindoor’s official briefings in May — along with Cdr Prerna Deosthalee (Navy), the first woman to command a warship. The trio will share service experiences in a format producers say is a tribute to the armed forces.

Is it unprecedented?

KBC has hosted uniformed personnel before:

• Jan 2021: Param Vir Chakra awardees Yogendra Singh Yadav and Sanjay Kumar honoured on the finale.
• Aug 2022: Col Mitali Madhumita and Maj D.P. Singh (Retd) featured in the premiere special.
• Aug 2019: Senior NDRF officers in uniform appeared on the Karamveer Special.

Do Rules allow it?

Service regulations permit wearing the uniform at officially cleared, representative events. “This was not a casual social appearance — it was sanctioned, ceremonial, and part of Independence Day outreach,” said a senior officer.

Politics or recognition?

Veterans call it unfair to brand the episode political. “Publicity is for campaigns; recognition is for those who earn it through service,” one retired brigadier said, adding that male officers have received similar honours without controversy.

What’s in the promo?

Wg Cdr Singh: Cites the IAF’s 25-minute strike window during Operation Sindoor

Cdr Deosthalee: Stresses only military targets were engaged.

Col Qureshi: Speaks about operational resolve, described as a security mindset, not a political slogan.