Nearly 1000 Indian peacekeepers have been awarded the United Nations Medal for their work in the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
Tweeting about the victory, the UN Mission in South Sudan said, “Thank you, India. 1,171 of your best sons and daughters have received the UN Medal for their vital UNMISS work in Upper Nile, South Sudan.” Major Jasmine Chatha and a couple of her female colleagues told us more about their experiences.”
For the first time, the large contingent parade was led by a woman, Major Jasmine Chatha. “It is an honor to represent my regiment on this special day. By positioning women as leaders, we are sending a strong message to the citizens of South Sudan in general and its women in particular. In our work , for example when we repair roads or try to reduce floods, we are in contact with the local population and they can see that we, women, are leading a team and we are both respected goes and we are heard,” Chatha was quoted as saying in a UNMISS press release.
It is noteworthy that Major Chatha was not the only woman to receive a medal for her outstanding work. Five of the 1,171 recipients of the UN Medal this year were women. These included Captain Karishma Kathayat, an engineer belonging to a military family.
“It feels great to contribute to improving people’s quality of life. We are here to serve. We are very proud of our engineering work,” he said.
According to the United Nations, the Indian contingent working with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) may be known for its efforts to build and repair critical infrastructure, but protecting civilians is certainly one of their mandates. There is an important and sometimes even dangerous part. ,
Deadly violence in Adhidiyang and Kodok, where some 11,000 displaced people are still gathered near the UNMISS military base, has caused untold suffering and injuries. Since September last year, Indian medical workers have performed critical emergency surgeries that have saved the lives of five children.
(With inputs from ANI)
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