Latest news with #AdasoKapesa
Indian Express
5 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Meet Adaso Kapesa, the first woman officer in the Special Protection Group (SPG), responsible for PM Narendra Modi's security
When Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the UK recently, a striking image went viral, not of the Prime Minister himself, but of a poised woman officer standing right behind him. Meet Adaso Kapesa, the first-ever woman officer in the Special Protection Group (SPG), India's most elite security force tasked with protecting the Prime Minister. The SPG, known for its precision, secrecy, and high-stakes assignments, rarely makes headlines about its personnel. But Kapesa's inclusion has done just that, challenging norms and setting a powerful precedent for women across India aiming for careers in elite security roles. From a remote village in Manipur to standing behind the PM as part of the SPG – what a journey! Saluting Inspector Adaso Kapesa for rewriting what's possible for Indian women in uniform. @narendramodi @PMOIndia — Manasi Kirloskar Tata (@M_KirloskarTata) August 4, 2025 Kapesa joins a global league of pioneering women in security. Kimberly Cheatle, the former US Secret Service Director, rose from trainee to Director of the US Secret Service in a 30-year career. Though she resigned after the failed assassination attempt on former President Trump, she left behind an enduring legacy of leadership. Back home, Tamil Nadu is also leading change. Since March 2022, trained women police personnel have been part of Chief Minister MK Stalin's core security team. These officers are trained in unarmed combat, firearms, and bomb detection, a model that other states are slowly beginning to replicate. The story of Veena Gupta, India's first female bodyguard, also resonates in this context. Having founded Seam Group Services, which provides security for firms like Adobe, Barclays, and Bell Helicopter, Gupta recalls her unconventional journey: 'Most people would expect a protection officer to be physically bulky. I am neither. I don't look intimidating—but that's exactly what gives me the edge,' she told Deccan Chronicle, referencing her work with the Prince of Hungary during Liz Hurley's wedding in India. Women like Adaso Kapesa are proving that elite security roles are no longer defined by gender but by excellence, adaptability, and courage. As India redefines its security apparatus, Kapesa stands tall, not just behind the Prime Minister, but at the forefront of change.
Hans India
04-08-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Who is Adaso Kapesa?
New Delhi: When images of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent UK visit surfaced online, it wasn't just the diplomacy or the optics that caught the public eye. It was the confident woman standing right behind him, calmly watching over the scene in a black suit and earpiece, someone who wasn't just present, but commanding attention. People quickly took to social media to praise her presence, and many felt a surge of pride seeing a woman in such a critical role. So, who is she? The woman behind the PM in viral images is Inspector Adaso Kapesa, a trailblazer from Manipur who has made history as the first woman from her state-and the first woman ever-to serve in the Special Protection Group (SPG), India's elite force dedicated to protecting the Prime Minister. Her journey to this prestigious role began in the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), a Central Armed Police Force under the Ministry of Home Affairs. She currently serves with the 55th Battalion stationed in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand. Her inclusion in the SPG marks a watershed moment for women in security and law enforcement in India. Adaso Kapesa's assignment to the Prime Minister's security team is more than just a personal achievement -- it's a symbol of growing gender inclusivity in Indian defence and paramilitary services. Her appearance alongside the PM during his UK visit was a visible sign of progress, one that deeply resonated with women across the country. Social media flooded with messages of admiration and pride. Many users called her a role model, and a powerful example of what determination, discipline, and skill can achieve-regardless of gender. The Special Protection Group is a highly trained and selective force responsible for the personal security of India's Prime Minister and, under certain circumstances, former PMs and their immediate families. Its members go through intense physical, tactical, and psychological training. Until recently, the SPG was an all-male unit. Adaso Kapesa's entry into this elite squad is not just historic-it opens the door for more women to break into high-stakes security roles and redefine what leadership looks like in uniform.
Time of India
03-08-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Who is Adaso Kapesa? Manipur's SPG officer who made history guarding PM Modi in the UK
When images of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent UK visit went viral, it wasn't just the diplomacy or formalities that stood out. What truly captured public attention was a composed woman in a black suit and earpiece standing just behind him — a figure of calm authority. Who is Adaso Kapesa? That woman is Inspector Adaso Kapesa, a pioneering officer from Manipur who has created history. She is the first woman from her state — and the first ever — to join the ranks of the Special Protection Group (SPG), India's premier security force dedicated to safeguarding the Prime Minister. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Degree Data Analytics MCA healthcare Management PGDM others Healthcare Technology Artificial Intelligence Data Science Others Cybersecurity MBA Finance Public Policy Operations Management Digital Marketing Product Management Leadership CXO Data Science Design Thinking Project Management Skills you'll gain: Data-Driven Decision-Making Strategic Leadership and Transformation Global Business Acumen Comprehensive Business Expertise Duration: 2 Years University of Western Australia UWA Global MBA Starts on Jun 28, 2024 Get Details Kapesa began her journey in the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), a Central Armed Police Force operating under the Ministry of Home Affairs. Currently, she serves with the 55th Battalion in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand. With her entry into the SPG, she has overcome one of the most formidable gender barriers within the country's security forces. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now From the Northeast to the Heart of National Security Her induction into the SPG isn't just a personal milestone — it signals a significant move towards gender representation within India's elite security services. The SPG has traditionally been an all-male unit — a precedent that Kapesa has now officially disrupted. Live Events Her appearance beside the Prime Minister during a critical international event was not just symbolic. It was both strategic and historic. Social Media Applauds: 'A Role Model for the Nation' As pictures of her circulated online, admiration poured in across platforms. Netizens praised her as a 'trailblazer,' a 'symbol of strength,' and a 'powerful inspiration,' particularly for young women aiming to break into law enforcement and defence roles. Her visibility in such a critical role struck a chord nationwide — especially among communities that have long remained underrepresented. Why Her SPG Role Matters The Special Protection Group isn't a typical security assignment — it is India's most elite protective unit, solely responsible for the Prime Minister's security. Members undergo rigorous training in close-quarter combat, intelligence operations, surveillance, and emergency response — making it one of the most demanding roles in India's defence ecosystem. Kapesa's induction isn't merely about representation — it reimagines what leadership and strength look like in Indian security forces. A Defining Chapter in Uniformed Leadership Her achievement sends a powerful signal: women belong everywhere — even in roles previously deemed out of reach.
