The United Nations (UN) will posthumously honour two Indian peacekeepers, Lance Havildar Harbhajan Singh and Naib Subedar Sujit Kumar Pradhan, with the prestigious Dag Hammarskjöld Medal for their supreme sacrifice while serving in UN peacekeeping missions. Additionally, Major Abhilasha Barak of the Indian Army will receive the 2025 UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award.
Major Abhilasha Barak, currently serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), will also be recognized for her outstanding efforts in promoting gender inclusion and community engagement.
Key Highlights:
Lance Havildar Harbhajan Singh served with the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO).
Naib Subedar Sujit Kumar Pradhan served with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
Both will be awarded the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal, the UN's highest posthumous honour for peacekeepers who lose their lives in service.
Major Abhilasha Barak will receive the 2025 Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award.
She is serving as the Commander of the Female Engagement Team with the Indian Battalion in UNIFIL, Lebanon.
The award recognizes her work in outreach programmes for women and girls and her efforts to promote gender-sensitive peacekeeping.
About the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal
Award Name: Dag Hammarskjöld Medal
Instituted By: United Nations Security Council
Year of Establishment: 1997
Nature: Posthumous Award
Given To: Military personnel, police personnel, and civilians who die while serving in UN peacekeeping missions
Named After: Dag Hammarskjöld, 2nd Secretary-General of the UN
About Major Abhilasha Barak:
Service: Indian Army
UN Mission: UNIFIL (Lebanon)
Position: Commander, Female Engagement Team
Special Recognition: 2025 UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year
Notable Achievement: First Woman Combat Helicopter Pilot of the Indian Army
About the UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award:
Established in 2016 by the UN Department of Peace Operations.
Recognizes military peacekeepers who actively promote gender equality in peacekeeping operations.
Encourages greater participation and protection of women in conflict-affected regions.
Major Abhilasha Barak is the third Indian recipient of this award.
Previous Indian Recipients
Major Suman Gawani – 2019
Major Radhika Sen – 2023
Major Abhilasha Barak – 2025
India's Contribution to UN Peacekeeping:
India is among the largest contributors of troops and police personnel to UN peacekeeping operations.
More than 6,000 Indian peacekeepers are currently deployed in various UN missions worldwide.
Since 1948, over 180 Indian peacekeepers have sacrificed their lives while serving under the UN flag.
Key Facts About UN Peacekeeping:
First UN Peacekeeping Mission: 1948 (UNTSO)
International Day of UN Peacekeepers: 29 May
UN Headquarters: New York, USA
Current UN Secretary-General: António Guterres
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