Squadron Leader Manisha Padhi, a 2015 batch Indian Air Force (IAF) officer made history by becoming the first female to be appointed as the Aide-De-Camp (ADC) to the Governor of Mizoram, Hari Babu Kambhampati, on December 4.
The Governor’s office in Mizoram stated in an official release, “Squadron Leader Manisha Padhi appointed as Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to the Governor of Mizoram. Squadron Leader Manisha is India’s first woman Indian Armed Forces officer to be appointed as Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to the Governor of the country.”
The official ceremony took place on November 29 at Raj Bhawan in Aizawl, where Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati conferred the honorary title upon Squadron Leader Padhi. Joining her new post, Squadron Leader Padhi, previously stationed at Air Force bases in Bidar, Pune, and Bhatinda, reported to the Governor during the formal ceremony.
What does the title ‘Aide-de-Camp’ refer to?
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. 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. One honorary aide-de-camp from the Territorial Army is also there.
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.