KOCHI: For the first time in the history of the Republic Day Parade in New Delhi, a Catholic nun will lead the National Service Scheme (NSS) contingent.

Sister Noelle Rose, a faculty member of the Department of Malayalam in Newman College, Thodupuzha will lead the 12-member team at the parade, making it a rare occasion. 

Sister Rose, who belongs to the Congregation of the Mother of Carmel, has been serving as the NSS Idukki District Coordinator. She is also a two-time winner of the Best Program Officer Award by Mahatma Gandhi University and was also roped in for the state level.

She was chosen from a pool of approximately 3,000 officers in the state.