CM Dhami Congratulates Major Abhilasha Barak on UN Gender Award
Synopsis
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami congratulated Major Abhilasha Barak on 7 June 2026 after the United Nations honoured her with the UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year award, calling it a reflection of India's decades long commitment to UN peacekeeping and a source of national pride.
Key Takeaways
CM Pushkar Singh Dhami publicly congratulated Major Abhilasha Barak on receiving the UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year award.
Dhami described the honour as a symbol of her leadership, dedication, and commitment to humanity.
The award is presented annually by the United Nations to recognise promotion of gender equality within peacekeeping forces.
India has contributed over 2,50,000 personnel to UN peacekeeping missions since 1950 , making it one of the top troop contributing countries.
In 2007 , India deployed the world's first all female Formed Police Unit to Liberia under a UN mandate.
The recognition is seen as reinforcing India's standing at the United Nations as a contributor that promotes inclusive practices in peace operations.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Sunday, 7 June 2026 extended congratulations to Major Abhilasha Barak of the Indian Army after she was honoured with the UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year award by the United Nations. Dhami hailed the recognition as a matter of national pride and a testament to India's enduring contribution to UN peacekeeping operations.
Context
Posting in Hindi on X, CM Dhami wrote: 'संयुक्त राष्ट्र द्वारा "यूएन मिलिट्री जेंडर एडवोकेट ऑफ द ईयर" सम्मान से अलंकृत होने पर मेजर अभिलाषा बराक जी को हार्दिक बधाई एवं शुभकामनाएं।' — 'Heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to Major Abhilasha Barak on being honoured with the UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year award by the United Nations.' He described the honour as a symbol of her 'outstanding work ethic, leadership, sense of duty, and dedication to humanity,' adding that the recognition reflects India's long standing contribution to UN peacekeeping efforts and that 'every citizen of the country is proud of this achievement.'
Policy Backdrop
India has been one of the largest and most consistent contributors to UN peacekeeping missions since it first deployed troops to Korea in 1950, with over 2,50,000 personnel contributed across dozens of operations over seven decades. A landmark moment in gender integration came in 2007, when India deployed an all female Formed Police Unit to Liberia — the first such unit in UN peacekeeping history — alongside women military observers in various missions. The UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year award is conferred annually to recognise military personnel who have made exceptional efforts to promote gender perspectives within peacekeeping forces, in line with the UN's broader mandate on gender mainstreaming in peace operations.
Stakeholders and Impact
Major Abhilasha Barak's recognition carries significance for women serving in the Indian Armed Forces, a community that has seen gradual but steady expansion of roles over recent decades, including in combat aviation and peacekeeping deployments. The award elevates India's profile at the United Nations as a troop contributing country that actively champions inclusive practices within its deployed contingents. For Indian peacekeeping personnel currently serving in active UN missions, the honour reinforces the professional standards and conduct that have defined India's multilateral military engagement.
What's Next
Attention will now turn to any follow up initiatives by the Ministry of Defence on gender training programmes within peacekeeping contingents, as well as upcoming renewals of UN peacekeeping mandates involving Indian troops. Major Barak's recognition is likely to further encourage the Indian Army's policy of integrating women into specialised operational and peacekeeping roles. The award also arrives at a time when India is actively seeking a permanent seat on the UN Security Council, making high profile contributions to UN missions an important diplomatic signal.
Point of View
Dhami subtly reinforces the party's foreign policy messaging at a time when India's bid for greater UN influence is a live diplomatic conversation. The post also signals continued political investment in elevating women in uniform as symbols of national achievement.
NationPress
24 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Major Abhilasha Barak?
Major Abhilasha Barak is an Indian Army officer who was honoured with the UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year award by the United Nations for her efforts in promoting gender perspectives within peacekeeping operations.
What is the UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year award?
The UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year is an annual award given by the United Nations to a military peacekeeper who has made exceptional contributions to promoting gender equality and integrating gender perspectives within UN peacekeeping forces.
What did CM Pushkar Singh Dhami say about Major Abhilasha Barak?
CM Dhami extended heartfelt congratulations to Major Barak, calling the award a symbol of her outstanding leadership and dedication to humanity, and said every citizen of India is proud of her achievement.
What is India's history with UN peacekeeping?
India has been contributing to UN peacekeeping since 1950, when it first deployed troops to Korea. It has since sent over 2,50,000 personnel across dozens of missions and in 2007 deployed the world's first all female Formed Police Unit to Liberia.
Why is India's UN peacekeeping contribution significant?
India is consistently among the top troop contributing countries to UN peacekeeping missions, and its record of professional conduct and inclusive deployment — including women officers — strengthens its standing in multilateral forums and its case for greater influence at the United Nations.
