Abhilasha Barak: India sky blazer wins global honor

In a world where ceilings still exist for women in many professions,Major Abhilasha Barak didn’t just break one barrier she shattered them all.

A proud moment for India and its Armed forces. Major Abhilasha Barak a young Indian army officer from Haryana and a first woman combat helicopter pilot has received the 2025 prestigious UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award for her work in Lebanon with UN in peacemaking mission.

The announcement made on the occasion of UN International Peacemakers on 29 May, drew widespread acclaim from diplomat and defence circle across the country.

A historic first than global icon

Major Abhilasha Barak is from Rohtak, Haryana. Daughter of a retired colonel. Her father and brother both served in the military, making army feel like home. yet, her path wasn’t straightforward. In 2016, She completed her graduation in Electronics and Communication Engineering from Delhi Technological University and even secured a job placement in United States. Most would have considered that a triumphant success story right there.

But Abhilasha heard a different call.

She chose the challenging path of defence over the comfort of corporate success. In 2018, she was commissioned into the Indian Army from the Officers Training Academy, Chennai, joining the Army Air Defence corps. At that time, women were only admitted for ground work in the Army Aviation corps. Her dream of flying combat helicopters seemed impossible- until the government lifted the restrictions, and she seized the opportunity with determination.

Her achievement on 25 May 2022, when she successfully completed the rigorous Combat Army Aviation Training School course at Nashik in Maharashtra, she was awarded the coveted ‘wings’ along with 36 others. This marked a significant milestone where women are part of frontline operational roles- an event officially described by the Indian army as a Golden Letter Day in the annuals of army aviation.

Major Barak was selected as the contingent commander during the presentation of colours to the Army Air Defence, an honour conferred by then President of India, Ram Nath Kovind, a recognition of her exemplary leadership and discipline.

The person behind-the-scenes story makes her journey even more powerful. In 1987, during Operation Meghdoot, her father suffered from cerebral oedema at high altitude. The Army aviation corps evacuated him immediately, saving his life. That moment instilled in her as obsession with aviation.

Serving the world in Lebanon

Major Barak is currently serving with the United Nation Interim Force in Lebanon (UNFIL) as the commander of the Female Engagement Team with the Indian Battalion.

Her work on the ground has been nothing short of extraordinary. As a frontline commander, she led extensive outreach efforts, engaging over 5000 women and girls through vocational training, education and health programmes that support empowerment and post conflict recovery. She also being recognized for gender sensitization training for peacekeepers.

According to the United Nation in India Major Barak was also praised for her “outstanding leadership in encouraging gender – responsive peacekeeping.”

Third Indian to win that Honour

Major Barak is the third recipient of the award from India, after Major Suman Gawani (2019) and Major Radhika Sen (2023).

The United Nation created the Military gender advocate award in 2016 under the office of Military Affairs of the Department of Peace Operations. The award honours military personnel who actively promote gender equality during peacekeeping mission and implement the principle of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security.

India celebrates

India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Parvathaneni Harish praised her achievement stating that major Abhilasha Barak trailblazing work with UNIFIL is a proud reflection of India’s steadfast commitment to women’s participation in UN peacekeeping.

The embassy of India in Beirut also congratulated Major Barak, calling her work with the Female Engagement Team “exceptional” and impactful.

Major Abilasha Barak story – from the skies over India to the conflict zones of Lebanon stands as an enduring testament of courage, leadership, and power of breaking barriers one at a time.

Advice for aspiring dreamers

Major Barak own advice to aspiring aviators and women breaking barriers is clear:

1.     Stay Committed- Passion and perseverance are essential, especially in demanding fields like Armed Forces.

2.     Seek Mentorship- Learning from those who would have walked the path before provides invaluable insights.

3.     Embrace Opportunities- Be fearless in taking new challenges they are stepping stone to achieve greatness.

Why her story matters

In 2026, as we continue to push for gender equality across all sectors, Major Abhilasha Barak stands as living proof that systemic barriers can be dismantled through determination and excellence. Her journey from a military family in Haryana to receiving global UN recognition demonstrates that when you combine talent with tenacity, you don’t just change your own life- you change the narrative for generations to come. And that is the ultimate definition of inspiration.

For every girl in India dreaming of flying helicopter, leading teams, or serving the nation, Major Barak’s story whispers: You belong here.

The sky was never the limit for Major Barak. It was merely her starting point.