India has again shown its commitment to international peace and security, by deploying an all-female platoon of peacekeepers to a United Nations mission. Meanwhile, another inspiring story emerges from Rajasthan where a dedicated school teacher, fondly known as the “Tree Teacher”, is helping combat desertification by planting hundreds of thousands of trees. Additionally, India will be at the forefront of global discussions this January by hosting the Voice of Global South summit, aimed at amplifying the voices of developing countries. Cultural heritage also gets a boost with the introduction of Asia’s first Palm-Leaf Manuscript Museum in Kerala.
India Contributes All-Woman Platoon to U.N. Peacekeeping Mission
India will be sending an all-women peacekeeping platoon to participate in the United Nations Interim Security Force in Abyei, located on the border between Sudan and South Sudan. This forms the largest single unit of female peacekeepers ever sent by India for a U.N. mission since the inaugural all-women’s contingent was deployed in Liberia in 2007. India’s contribution to U.N. peacekeeping missions is significant, making it one of the key troop-contributing nations.
Rajasthan’s ‘Tree Teacher’ Champions Reforestation
Bheraram Bhakhar, a primary school teacher from Rajasthan’s Barmer district, has made quite a mark in the family forestry campaign. Over the last 24 years, he’s planted an impressive four lakh trees and engaged 1.2 lakh people in his efforts. His dedication to preventing western Rajasthan’s desertification has earned him the moniker of “Tree Teacher”. Moreover, his initiative, Harit Pranam or green salutation, has become a popular greeting among the locals.
India to Host Global South Summit
On January 12 and 13, India will host the special virtual summit, Voice of Global South. Following the theme ‘Unity of Voice, Unity of Purpose’, the summit aspires to unite developing and less-developed countries, inviting views and priorities from over 120 nations. This presents a unique platform for those countries not involved in the G20 process to express their ideas. India’s ongoing G20 presidency offers a special opportunity for presenting these nations’ expectations.
World’s First Palm-Leaf Manuscript Museum Opens in Kerala
Asia’s first Palm-Leaf Manuscript Museum has been inaugurated in Kerala recently. The museum showcases the administrative, socio-cultural, and economic aspects of the Travancore kingdom over a span of 650 years (up to the late 19th century). It houses 187 manuscripts, including one which recounts the famous Battle of Colachel (1741), where the Travancore king emerged victorious against the Dutch East India Company. The museum comprises eight galleries each dedicated to different facets like ‘History of Writing’, ‘Land and People’, ‘Administration’, ‘War and Peace’, ‘Education and Health’, ‘Economy’, ‘Art and Culture’, and ‘Mathilakam Records’.
