On the occasion of the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, tributes were paid to two brave Indian peacekeepers—Lance Havildar Harbhajan Singh and Naib Subedar Sujit Kumar Pradhan—who laid down their lives while serving under United Nations peacekeeping missions last year.
The United Nations announced that both soldiers will be posthumously awarded the prestigious Dag Hammarskjöld Medal next week in recognition of their courage, dedication, and sacrifice in the service of international peace and security.
Lance Havildar Harbhajan Singh served with United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), one of the UN’s largest and most challenging peacekeeping operations.
Naib Subedar Sujit Kumar Pradhan was deployed with United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), where he contributed to efforts aimed at maintaining stability and protecting civilians in the conflict-affected nation.
The Dag Hammarskjöld Medal, named after former UN Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjöld, is awarded annually to military, police, and civilian personnel who lose their lives while serving in United Nations peacekeeping missions.
India remains one of the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping operations and has a long and distinguished record of service under the UN flag. Indian peacekeepers have served in some of the world’s most difficult conflict zones, earning global recognition for their professionalism, courage, and commitment to peace.
The posthumous recognition of Lance Havildar Harbhajan Singh and Naib Subedar Sujit Kumar Pradhan stands as a tribute to the enduring legacy of Indian peacekeepers and their unwavering commitment to safeguarding peace beyond national borders.
