New Delhi: When photos of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent UK visit surfaced online, public attention quickly shifted from diplomatic engagements to a striking image – a calm, confident woman in a black suit and earpiece standing just behind the Prime Minister. That woman was Inspector Adaso Kapesa, the first female commando from Manipur to be deployed in the Special Protection Group (SPG) – the country’s most elite security force.
Who Is Adaso Kapesa?
Adaso Kapesa hails from Kaibi village in Senapati district, a remote region of Manipur, Northeast India. A member of the Mao Naga community, she has created history by becoming the first woman officer from her state and community to join the SPG, which is tasked with the security of the Prime Minister of India.
Her journey from a modest background in a tribal village to the highest echelons of national security is a testament to her unwavering determination, hard work, and grit.
Early Career: Serving the Nation with SSB
Ms Adaso began her service with the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), a paramilitary force under the Ministry of Home Affairs. She was previously posted as Inspector (General Duty) with the 55th Battalion in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand, where she earned recognition for her discipline, commitment, and leadership in challenging terrains.
Cracking the SPG: India’s Toughest Security Force
Selection to the Special Protection Group is no ordinary achievement. The SPG selection process is one of the most rigorous in India, requiring elite physical fitness, psychological endurance, and tactical intelligence.
Ms Adaso was deputed from SSB to SPG, where she underwent specialized commando training involving close combat, surveillance, emergency response, and threat neutralization. Her stellar performance during training earned her a spot on the PM’s close protection team, making her the first woman to achieve this feat.
A Role Model for the Nation
Ms Adaso’s story has not only inspired her native state of Manipur, but it has also resonated with young women across India – particularly those from remote and underrepresented communities. Her achievement underscores the increasing representation of women in high-stakes security roles, long dominated by men.
In a country where representation matters, her presence behind the Prime Minister during a high-profile foreign visit is both symbolic and strategic – showing the world that Indian women are rising to protect the nation at its highest levels.
Viral Moment Sparks Nationwide Pride
After her photos went viral on social media, thousands praised her as a symbol of strength, resilience, and empowerment. People from across the country, especially from the Northeast, celebrated her achievement as a moment of collective pride.
One social media post summed up the sentiment perfectly: “She is not just guarding the Prime Minister – she is guarding the aspirations of a generation.”
Courage in a Black Suit
Ms Adaso’s journey is more than a success story – it’s a narrative of transformation. From Kaibi village to guarding the highest office in the country, she has proved that courage, vision, and persistence can break even the most rigid glass ceilings.
In her, India sees not just a protector of its leader, but a pathfinder for its daughters.
