Major Radhika Sen is an Indian Army officer known for her impactful service with the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Born in Himachal Pradesh in 1993, she joined the army. As engagement platoon commander in MONUSCO, she led efforts to support community security, gender equality, and education for local populations.[2] Her work earned her the 2024 United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award, with UN Secretary-General António Guterres commending her as a “true leader and role model.”[3]
Radhika Sen | |
|---|---|
| Born | Radhika Sen 1993 (age 32–33) |
| Allegiance | India |
Service | Indian Army |
Years of Service | 2016–present |
Rank | Major |
| Unit | Indian Army Service Corps (IASC) |
| Commands | Engagement Platoon Commander, Indian Rapid Deployment Battalion |
| Known for | Recipient of the United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award (2023) |
| Awards | United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award |
| Alma mater | Panjab University, Chandigarh; IIT Bombay[1] |
Early life and education
editMajor Sen was born in 1993 in Baroh Village, Mandi District, Himachal Pradesh, India. She completed her schooling at St. Mary's High School in Sundernagar, Himachal Pradesh.[4] Showing a strong interest in science, Sen pursued a bachelor's degree in biotechnology at Panjab University, Chandigarh, and later attended the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, where she was working on her master's degree before joining the Indian Army.[1][5] Inspired by a passion for service, she left her studies mid-way to pursue a career in the military.
Military career
editSen began her military training in 2015 at the Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai. After successfully completing her training, she served as a lieutenant in various postings across India, including Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, and Sikkim.[5]
United Nations Peacekeeping Mission
editIn March 2023, Major Sen was deployed to the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), where she served as the Engagement Platoon Commander for the Indian Rapid Deployment Battalion.[6] Leading a team of both men and women, her role focused on community engagement, addressing security concerns, and advocating for the rights of women and children. She established Community Alert Networks to help civilians report security issues, created spaces for local women to voice concerns, and conducted educational programs to improve self-reliance.[7]
Awards and recognition
editIn May 2024, Major Sen received the prestigious United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award. This award recognized her contributions to gender-sensitive peacekeeping efforts, leadership in conflict zones, and her work to empower women in the Congo.[8] UN Secretary-General António Guterres commended her as a "true leader and role model," noting her dedication to community-building and humanitarian initiatives.[3][9]
See also
editReferences
edit- 1 2 "IIT Bombay Alumna, Major Radhika Sen, Receives Prestigious UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award". 10 June 2024. Retrieved 10 November 2024.
- ↑ "Major Radhika Sen's service is true credit to United Nations as a whole: Secretary-General Guterres". Deccan Herald. PTI. 31 May 2024. Retrieved 10 November 2024.
- 1 2 Kumar, Ajeet (28 May 2024). "True leader and role model', UN Chief praises Himachal girl Major Radhika Sen for earning top military award". India TV. Retrieved 10 November 2024.
- ↑ "सुंदरनगर की राधिका सेन बनी लैफ्टिनैंट". Punjab Kesari (in Hindi). 14 September 2016. Retrieved 10 November 2024.
- 1 2 "Meet Major Radhika Sen: The Indian peacekeeper championing gender equality in UN Missions". The Economic Times. 31 May 2024. Retrieved 10 November 2024.
- ↑ Mukherjee, Vasudha (31 May 2024). "Major Radhika Sen receives UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award". Business Standard. New Delhi. Retrieved 10 November 2024.
- ↑ "Indian Peacekeeper Wins 2023 Military Gender Advocate of Year Award". UN. 28 May 2024. Retrieved 10 November 2024.
- ↑ "Quicksplained: Who is Major Radhika Sen, the Indian Army officer to be honoured with the UN advocacy award?". First Post. 29 May 2024. Retrieved 10 November 2024.
- ↑ "Major Radhika Sen receives prestigious 2023 UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award". The Indian Express. PTI. 31 May 2024. Retrieved 10 November 2024.