New Delhi: Major Abhilasha Barak, India’s first woman combat helicopter pilot, has added another historic milestone to her distinguished military career by receiving the United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award 2025.
The prestigious honour was presented by UN Secretary-General António Guterres at the United Nations Headquarters, recognising her outstanding contribution towards advancing women’s participation and perspectives in peacekeeping operations.
The achievement has drawn praise from across the country, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulating Major Barak and describing her accomplishment as an inspiration for millions of young Indians, particularly women aspiring to serve the nation and humanity.
Major Barak is currently serving as Engagement Team Commander and Gender Focal Point with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), where she has played a key role in promoting gender inclusion and community engagement in conflict-affected regions.
UN Recognises Exceptional Leadership
Presenting the award, UN Secretary-General António Guterres hailed Major Barak as a role model for peacekeepers worldwide.
“You are a role model to those you serve, and those you serve with,” Guterres said during the award ceremony.
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Highlighting her work in southern Lebanon, the UN chief noted that Major Barak established strong relationships with local communities and helped create early-warning networks that significantly improved civilian protection mechanisms.
He further praised her efforts in conducting educational, vocational and health-related programmes that have positively impacted thousands of women and girls in the region.
According to the United Nations, Major Barak successfully carried out 539 gender-focused field activities within six months, reaching more than 5,000 women and adolescent girls through community outreach initiatives.
‘Dreams Do Not Have a Gender’: Major Barak
Accepting the award, Major Barak delivered a powerful message on gender equality and leadership.
“Dreams do not have a gender, and neither does leadership, courage, or the will to serve humanity.”
She said the recognition reinforced her belief that lasting peace can only be achieved when every voice is heard and every individual is empowered.
The award also acknowledges the broader role women play in peacebuilding and conflict resolution efforts across the world.
PM Modi Congratulates Major Barak
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media to congratulate Major Barak on her achievement.
In his message, the Prime Minister said, “Congratulations to Major Abhilasha Barak on being conferred the UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award. Major Barak is serving as an Engagement Team Commander and Gender Focal Point within the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).”
Congratulations to Major Abhilasha Barak on being conferred the UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award. Major Barak is serving as an Engagement Team Commander and Gender Focal Point within the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). This honour is a recognition… pic.twitter.com/00Yyv963GT
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 7, 2026
He further noted that the honour reflects both her exemplary service and India’s longstanding contribution to United Nations peacekeeping missions.
“Her achievement is also an inspiration to countless young Indians, especially our daughters, who aspire to serve the nation and humanity,” the Prime Minister added.
Who is Major Abhilasha Barak?
Major Abhilasha Barak has emerged as one of the most inspiring figures in India’s armed forces, breaking barriers and paving the way for greater participation of women in military aviation.
Roots in a Military Family
Born in Rohtak, Haryana, Major Barak grew up in a military environment.
She is the daughter of Retired Colonel S. Om Singh and was born at the Military Hospital in Wellington, Tamil Nadu, while her father was attending a course at the Defence Services Staff College.
Her connection with military aviation runs deep. Her father’s life was reportedly saved through a critical helicopter evacuation conducted by the Army Aviation Corps during Operation Meghdoot in 1987, inspiring her admiration for military aviation from an early age.
Education and Early Career
Major Barak completed her schooling at the prestigious Lawrence School, Sanawar.
She later earned a B.Tech in Electronics and Communication Engineering from Delhi Technological University (DTU) in 2016.
Following graduation, she briefly worked as a Business Technology Analyst with Deloitte USA after securing a campus placement. However, driven by a desire to serve the nation, she resigned from the corporate sector to pursue a military career.
Journey into the Indian Army
After successfully clearing the Services Selection Board (SSB) examination, she joined the Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai, and was commissioned into the Corps of Army Air Defence in September 2018.
Her leadership qualities became evident early in her career when she was selected to lead the Army Air Defence contingent during the presentation of the President’s Colours by then President Ram Nath Kovind in September 2019.
India’s First Woman Combat Aviator
Major Barak made history on May 25, 2022, when she completed the rigorous one-year combat aviation training programme at the Combat Army Aviation Training School (CATS), Nashik.
With the awarding of her aviation wings, she became the first woman combat aviator in the Indian Army, breaking a significant gender barrier within India’s military establishment.
Following her qualification, she was posted to the 2072 Army Aviation Squadron, where she began operating the indigenous HAL Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH).
Her achievement marked a transformative moment for women in India’s armed forces and inspired a new generation of women officers to explore careers in military aviation.
Impact in UN Peacekeeping Mission
As part of UNIFIL, Major Barak has been working in one of the world’s most sensitive conflict zones.
Serving as both Engagement Team Commander and Gender Focal Point, she has actively promoted women’s participation in local peacebuilding processes.
Her initiatives have included:
- Establishing community-based early warning systems.
- Conducting vocational training programmes.
- Supporting educational opportunities for women and girls.
- Organising healthcare awareness campaigns.
- Strengthening communication between peacekeepers and local communities.
The United Nations noted that her efforts have significantly contributed to advancing the Women, Peace and Security Agenda, a key UN framework promoting women’s inclusion in peace and security processes.
Third Indian Woman Officer to Receive the Honour
Major Barak is now the third Indian woman military officer to receive the prestigious UN Military Gender Advocate Award.
She follows:
Major Suman Gawani, who won the award in 2019.
Major Radhika Sen, who received the honour in 2023.
Her recognition further reinforces India’s growing reputation as a leading contributor to UN peacekeeping operations.
India’s Strong Peacekeeping Legacy
India remains one of the largest contributors to United Nations peacekeeping missions globally.
According to UN data:
- Nearly 650 Indian peacekeepers are currently serving with UNIFIL.
- Around 13 of them are women personnel.
- India has deployed over 4,278 peacekeepers across various UN missions worldwide.
Major Barak’s achievement is being viewed as a symbol of both India’s commitment to global peacekeeping and the increasing role of women in military leadership.
A Symbol of Breaking Barriers
From becoming India’s first woman combat helicopter pilot to earning one of the United Nations’ highest recognitions for peacekeeping leadership, Major Abhilasha Barak’s journey reflects determination, excellence and service.
Her story stands as a powerful reminder that barriers can be broken through courage, perseverance and commitment, inspiring countless young women to dream beyond traditional boundaries and serve the nation on the global stage.
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