PM Modi congratulates Major Barak on being conferred UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award
New Delhi, June 7
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday extended wishes to Major Abhilasha Barak on being conferred the UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award.
Indian woman peacekeeper Major Abhilasha Barak, who is also the country's first woman combat helicopter pilot, has been awarded the prestigious 2025 UN Military Gender Advocate Award.
Barak, who is serving with the UN Peacekeeping in Lebanon, received the award from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in a ceremony on Friday in New York.
In a post on X, PM Modi said, "Congratulations to Major Abhilasha Barak on being conferred the UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award. Major Barak is serving as an Engagement Team Commander and Gender Focal Point within the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). This honour is a recognition of her exemplary service and also of India's longstanding contribution to United Nations peacekeeping efforts. Her achievement is also an inspiration to countless young Indians, especially our daughters, who aspire to serve the nation and humanity."
Union Minister of Commerce, Piyush Goyal, also congratulated Major Barak, saying that her achievement is a true testament to Nari Shakti and a reflection of India's continued contributions to UN peacekeeping efforts.
In a post on X, Goyal said, "Many congratulations to Major Abhilasha Barak on being conferred the UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award. Having received this honour for her exemplary service as an Engagement Team Commander & Gender Focal Point within the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), she has brought immense pride to the nation. Her achievement is a true testament to Nari Shakti and a reflection of India's continued contributions to UN peacekeeping efforts. May her journey inspire countless young girls to pursue their aspirations with confidence and courage."
The UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award is presented annually since 2016 to a military peacekeeper - male or female - who has shown outstanding commitment and leadership in promoting the principles of UN Security Council Resolution 1325.
The resolution calls on to mainstream a gender perspective in all aspects of peacekeeping and peacebuilding and to ensure women's participation in peace and political processes.
The Resolution also calls for the protection from, and prevention of, conflict-related sexual violence and for an expansion of the role and contribution of women in UN operations, including uniformed women peacekeepers.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Nari Shakti at its finest! 👏 What an achievement. This shows Indian women are breaking glass ceilings everywhere - from flying combat helicopters to leading peacekeeping missions abroad. My daughter already wants to know more about Major Barak. More power to her!
Impressive work by Major Barak. India's peacekeeping contributions have been remarkable over the decades. But I hope we also pay attention to the gender issues within our own armed forces back home. It's great to see progress on the international stage while we work on domestic challenges.
This is massive! 💪 Major Barak's journey from being a combat pilot to UN peacekeeper and now this award shows Indian women can excel in any field. The recognition by UN Secretary General himself is no small feat. Very happy to see our PMO taking note and celebrating such achievements. A well deserved honor!
Truly inspiring. 🇮🇳 But while we celebrate individual achievements, I hope this translates into more systemic changes - more women in combat roles, better career progression, and equal opportunities within the Indian Army itself. Major Barak's success should open doors for many more.
Wonderful to see this recognition for Major Barak. Gender equality in peacekeeping is crucial and UN Resolution 1325 is something all nations should take seriously. India's role in UN missions has been commendable. This award is a testament to both Major Barak's exceptional service and India's commitment to gender-inclusive peacekeeping.
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