Indian Army officer Major Swati Shanta Kumar has been honored with the UN Secretary-General’s Award for 2025 by United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres. This award has been given to her in the gender category. While posted in South Sudan, Major Swati made significant contribution to gender equality and peacekeeping through the ‘Equal Partners, Lasting Peace’ project.
Who is Major Swati?
Major Swati Shanta Kumar is a resident of Bengaluru. He is an officer in the Corps of Electronics Aided Mechanical Engineers (EME). He completed his schooling in Bengaluru and obtained an engineering degree in Electrical and Electronics from New Horizon College of Engineering. After this he got commission in the Indian Army. She earlier worked in IBM company, but then she decided to join the army.
Swati is the commander of the women’s engagement team
Presently Major Swati is posted in United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNIMSS). She is the commander of the first women engagement team of the Indian battalion there. Under the leadership of Major Swati, the team carried out small patrolling, river patrolling and air patrolling in Malakal area and surrounding remote areas. These efforts created a safe and supportive environment for more than 5,000 women. Women themselves now come forward and share their problems. Initially women were hesitant to talk, but now they express their views openly.
UN Secretary General praised Swati’s project
The award was selected from nominations received from UN peacekeeping missions and agencies around the world. Swati’s project was praised for promoting gender equality and peace as per the UN Charter. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres praised their project and said it is a strong example for future peacekeeping missions.
Major Swati will soon take posting in India
Major Swati has been in South Sudan for about 15 months and will soon return to India and take posting in Secunderabad. This honor is a matter of pride for India and strengthens the role of women soldiers at the international level.
Major Swati’s father R. Shanta Kumar (former ITC employee) said, ‘There was no military background in our family, but Swati joined the army with hard work. I am feeling very proud. Her mother Rajamani (retired headmistress) also praised her daughter’s hard work and dedication.
