More than 1000 Indian peacekeepers have been awarded the United Nations medal for their dedicated service and sacrifice in the conflict-ridden country of South Sudan.
Highly valued by peacekeepers, the UN medal recognises their commitment and service while deployed in peacekeeping, humanitarian, and disaster relief missions around the world.
In a special ceremony at the United Nations base in Malakal (northern South Sudan), 850 members of the 3 MADRAS Indian Infantry Battalion Group (INBATT1) received medals from the Force Commander of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, Lieutenant General Frank Mushyo Kamanzi. Medals were also presented to 268 members of the Indian Horizontal Maintenance Engineering Company (HMEC), 50 personnel providing medical care for UN staff at the Level II Hospital, and 18 members of the Force Signal Unit.
During the ceremony, the peacekeepers showcased their rich culture through a variety of dance, a display of their Chenda drumming skills, and martial arts abilities with performances of Kalaripayattu from Southern India. The event was attended by a number of dignitaries including the Indian Ambassador to South Sudan, Srikumar Menon, UNMISS’ Sector North Commander, Brigadier Zhijun Xie, the Head of the UNMISS Field Office for the Upper Nile, Hazel De Wet and the Central Upper Nile Governor James Torr Munybuny.
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