The medal distribution ceremony for Indian peacekeepers held in Upper Nile this year was something unique. Major Jasmine Chattha became the first woman to lead the parade of the large contingent, which included infantry, engineers, and medical staff.
Major Chattha states that "It has been an honor today to represent my regiment here. By positioning leadership of women, we are sending a strong message to South Sudanese society in general and its women in particular. We work as a team with the local community, like fixing reads or trying to prevent floods, this is evident that we as women, lead a team that is both respected and listened to."
While it is true that a majority of the Indian peacekeeping contingent in Upper Nile are men but when receiving the medals, Major Chattha was not only the female soldier, there were five out of 1,171 female peacekeepers who made India proud.
Captain Karishma Kathayat who is an engineer was one among them. She also comes from a military family just like Major Chattha. While receiving the medal she said, "It is a great feeling to help the needy people and contribute to their better living standards. We are here to serve."
The UN says that the efforts shown by the Indian contingent working along with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) to build and repair an important infrastructure are the reason that makes them most well-known.
The deadly violence which took place in Adhidiang and Kodok brought immense pain and injuries to around 11,000 displaced people that are still gathering adjacent to a UNMISS military base.
The medical staff have carried out critical emergency surgeries and saved the lives of five children since September last year.
