United Nations. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday honored India's Major Radhika Sen with the prestigious '2023 United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award'. On this occasion, Guterres said that Major Sen is a true leader and role model of India and her service is a true achievement for the United Nations as a whole.

Major Radhika Sen honored at UN Headquarters

Major Sen, who served with the United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), was honoured by Guterres at a ceremony held at the UN Headquarters to mark the International Day of UN Peacekeepers.

UN Secretary General thanked for the service

Major Sen served as the commander of MONUSCO's Engagement Platoon for the Indian Rapid Deployment Battalion (INDRDB) in the Eastern Region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) from March 2023 to April 2024. Guterres thanked Major Sen and all peacekeepers for their service, leadership and commitment to the women, peace and security agenda.

Led his unit on countless patrols

He said that as the commander of the Indian contingent, Major Sen led his unit on countless patrols. Guterres said that during these patrols, his soldiers actively interacted with conflict-affected communities, including women and girls, in the midst of growing conflict in North Kivu. He earned their trust with his humility, compassion and dedication.

Sen made many important efforts

The UN chief said Major Sen provided a safe platform for women to share their views and concerns and ensured the mission met their needs. He said during her one-year deployment, Major Sen handled civilian and military tasks, including vocational training for women and youth.

During this time, she made significant efforts to prevent sexual harassment and abuse. Born in Himachal Pradesh in 1993, Radhika Sen joined the Indian Army eight years ago. She graduated in biotech engineering and while she was doing her post graduation from IIT, Bombay, she decided to join the army.