Indian peacekeepers awarded medals for successful tour of duty in South Sudan

unmiss south sudan malakal india peacekeepers un medals major chetna women in peace and security

Major Chetna and her fellow Indian peacekeepers receiving UN medals for their service.

6 Dec 2020

Indian peacekeepers awarded medals for successful tour of duty in South Sudan

Janet Adongo

It is not commonplace for women to be part of India’s infantry, and that goes for the contingent of peacekeepers based in Malakal as well, where more than eight hundred soldiers were recently awarded medals for their service for the United Nations Mission in South Sudan.

Major Chetna, an engineering officer, is, in fact, the only female soldier among them. She and her detachment of twenty-one ensure that troops have reliable electricity, functional accommodations and enough water supplies.

This feat, however, hasn’t earned her any brownie points, as she continues to execute her duties just like anybody else.

“I am not different from my male colleagues. I do my work just as efficiently as they do theirs. I consider myself their equal, and that’s how I am treated as well,” she says.

Major Chetna always knew she was going to be a soldier. Despite having no other uniformed family members, she had the support of those close to her to make her dream come true.

“It was the uniform, the discipline and the code of the army that drew me. I would watch the parades on television as a child and think to myself ‘that is where I want to be when I grow up’ and here I am!”

The Indian battalion in Upper Nile State is known for providing veterinary services to local communities, not just in Malakal but also in far-flung places such as Kodok, Baliet, Melut and Renk.

“The hardest part has been the Covid-19 lockdown. We had major difficulties, for instance, getting water from the Nile, but it was impossible to bring in essential items from back home or from Juba. We have to innovate and be very frugal with what we already had.”

Despite the harsh conditions, the Indian peacekeepers have been able to treat thousands of animals and train two hundred and twenty-six Community Animal Health Workers, thus building local capacity in the vital husbandry sector.

Not everything is veterinary work, however. Recently, the battalion’s company based in Renk rescued and sheltered thirty humanitarian workers when there was an unexpected outbreak of violence.

 “I want to confirm that Indian peacekeepers in Upper Nile are true ambassadors, not only of India, but of the United Nations,” said acting State Coordinator Enos Chuma as he congratulated the medal recipients. 

S.D. Moorthy, India’s ambassador to South Sudan, was also present. He spoke about the amicable relations between the two countries, and the good work of his compatriots.

“This contingent has risen up to the challenges and been true to its traditions, ethos and culture,” he said.

Major Chetna and her fellow peacekeepers are at the tail end of their year-long tour of duty. Being able to inspire young South Sudanese girls has been one of the highlights of her time, and she believes she has made a difference for them.

“The other day, while going about my duties in Malakal town, I came across a group of girls and their teacher. I stopped to encourage them to complete their studies and work hard so they can support their families. If I can motivate even one person, I will have done my part.”