New York, June 6 -- Indian woman peacekeeper Major Abhilasha Barak, who is also the country's first woman combat helicopter pilot, has been awarded the prestigious 2025 UN Military Gender Advocate Award.

Barak, who is serving with the UN Peacekeeping in Lebanon, received the award from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in a ceremony on Friday here.

"Congratulations to our UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year, Major Abhilasha Barak of India, who is serving for peace with UN Peacekeeping in Lebanon. Her work shows the critical role that UNIFIL plays & how its presence is transforming the lives of women & girls, even under the most challenging circumstances. Major Barak, you are a role model to those you serve & those you serve with...