On January 26, the rhythmic marching of gleaming boots and spotless spats on 146 women soldiers of the Assam Rifles is a sign of times that women are ready to kick through any glass ceiling. These women soldiers made history not only on Rajpath – being the first all-women contingent from a central paramilitary force to participate in the Republic Day parade – but also in their area of responsibility. In Delhi, they are aiming to win the best marching contingent trophy. And in the Northeast, they are busting drug-gangs, apprehending insurgents, collecting field intelligence and performing community outreach duties at par with their male counterparts.