Inspector Adaso Kapesa has made history. A woman from Manipur has broken into one of the most elite security roles in India. She now serves as Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first female bodyguard in the Special Protection Group (SPG).
Her presence alongside the PM in the UK recently sparked pride and admiration across social media. But her story goes much deeper than a viral photo. It is a symbol of change, grit, and quiet revolution.
Breaking Barriers: From Manipur to the SPG
Adaso Kapesa began her journey in the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), a Central Armed Police Force under the Ministry of Home Affairs. She is currently posted with the 55th Battalion in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand.
Her selection into the SPG is a historic first. She is the first woman from her state—and the first woman ever—to be inducted into the SPG, India’s most elite security unit.
Why This Moment Matters
The Special Protection Group (SPG) was set up in 1985 after the assassination of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Its core responsibility is the personal security of the Prime Minister and former PMs with high-level threat perception.
Until recently, this force was entirely male. Adaso’s induction signals a change in mindset, opening the door for more women to serve in high-risk, high-responsibility roles traditionally reserved for men.
A Role Model in Uniform
Adaso Kapesa’s appearance during PM Modi’s UK tour did more than attract media attention. It lit a spark. Her presence became a moment of national pride, especially for young women watching from the sidelines of India’s defense institutions.
On platforms like X and Instagram, thousands hailed her as an icon. Many called her a real-life inspiration—someone who proved that courage, discipline, and capability are not limited by gender.
Training for the Toughest Job
To serve in the SPG, one must undergo extreme physical and psychological training. The force demands perfection—from weapons handling to unarmed combat to tactical driving.
Adaso didn’t just pass. She excelled. Her acceptance into the SPG is proof of her dedication, fitness, and elite-level discipline.
The Bigger Picture: Women in Security Forces
India has been gradually increasing women’s participation in its armed and paramilitary forces. The Ministry of Home Affairs has recently emphasized gender inclusivity as part of its modernization plan.
As of 2023, over 10% of recruits in the Central Armed Police Forces were women. The appointment of Adaso Kapesa into the SPG raises this bar significantly.
From Visibility to Opportunity
Representation matters. Seeing a woman protect the most powerful man in the country challenges long-held stereotypes. It reshapes how we perceive both leadership and protection.
Adaso’s role is not symbolic—it is operational. She is a frontline protector of the Prime Minister. And she does it with the same authority and skill as any other elite officer.
Voices of Pride from Manipur
Back home in Manipur, Adaso’s success has become a reason for celebration. Local leaders, women’s organizations, and youth groups have praised her for putting the state on the national map in a powerful new way.
For a region often underrepresented in national institutions, her achievement is a beacon of possibility.
What Lies Ahead
Adaso Kapesa has already made history. But her journey is far from over. As she continues to serve in one of the toughest jobs in India, she is paving the path for more women to follow.
Her presence in the SPG is a promise—to every girl who dreams of wearing the uniform, standing tall, and serving her country at the highest level.
