Indian peacekeeper Naik Dhananjay Kumar Singh, who tragically lost his life serving under the UN flag last year, was posthumously honoured on Thursday with the prestigious Dag Hammarskjold medal at the United Nations for his service and ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Naik Singh served in the UN Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO) and was among over 60 military, police, and civilian peacekeepers recognized by the UN for their dedicated service and supreme sacrifice.
Who was Naik Singh?
Belonging to the Army Medical Corps, Naik Singh served as a nursing assistant with MONUSCO, providing crucial medical services to military personnel. He commenced his service with the Indian Battalion-1 on July 1, 2023. In Congo, he worked tirelessly at a Level-1 hospital, ensuring round-the-clock critical care and medical support. His responsibilities included vaccinating troops, conducting medical examinations, and fulfilling regular “medic” duties such as combat medical care.
Tragically, Singh passed away on November 1, 2023, due to ischemic heart disease, a condition caused by inadequate blood flow to the heart, typically stemming from coronary artery disease.
It’s worth noting that Major Radhika Sen was also honored with a prestigious military gender advocate award by the UN Secretary-General on May 30, coinciding with the International Day of UN Peacekeepers. Major Sen served with MONUSCO from March 2023 until April 2024, during which time she led the engagement platoon for the Indian Rapid Deployment Battalion (INDRDB).
