He was a man whose life was defined by an unwavering sense of duty and an unshakeable commitment to peace.

Mohan Chandra Varma.

He was born in the capital city of Kerala, Trivandrum.

Mohan grew up with stories of the world's struggles and triumphs, deeply influenced by his father, who had served in the Indian Army's Armed Medical Corps.

He joined the Indian Army after receiving his degree in engineering from Chennai IIT, and later he was captured by the RAW Organization under the External Affairs Ministry of India.

From a young age, he was captivated by the idea of making a difference on a global scale. He wanted to serve the world for peace, and he requested that the authorities permit him to work for the UN's peace activities. His divine dream led him to join the United Nations as an international peacekeeping force.

Mohan's journey as a peacekeeper took him to some of the world's most challenging and volatile regions. His first mission was in South Sudan, where civil war had ravaged the country, leaving countless people displaced and in desperate need of aid. Mohan's role was not only to maintain peace and order but also to rebuild communities and restore hope among the people.

He was a magician at making friendships wherever he went, and that too without any differentiation.

In South Sudan, Mohan's kindness and compassion quickly made him a beloved figure. He organized food distribution programs, set up temporary schools for children, and even took the time to learn the local language, fostering trust and understanding with the communities he served. Mohan believed that true peace could only be achieved through genuine connections and empathy, and he lived this belief every day.

One of the most poignant moments of Mohan's career came during his time in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. While on patrol, his unit was ambushed by a group of insurgents. Despite the chaos and danger, Mohan displayed extraordinary bravery, ensuring the safety of his fellow peacekeepers and the civilians caught in the crossfire. His actions that day saved countless lives, but the cost was high—Mohan sustained severe injuries to his head and eyes that left him hospitalized for months. When he was discharged from the hospital, those severe injuries stole the sight of his left eye.

During his recovery, Mohan received an outpouring of support from across the globe.

''You are an angel. Angels can't disappear from us''.

Letters and messages from those he had helped flooded in, each one a testament to the profound impact he had made.

The children in South Sudan sent drawings and heartfelt notes, while families in Congo expressed their deepest gratitude. Mohan's spirit remained unbroken, and his resolve to continue his mission only grew stronger.

After recovering from death and with a lack of eyesight, he was not ready to take the rest or voluntary retirement suggested by his department heads. He requested that the authorities bless him by allowing Mohan to continue his work.

By considering his dedication and love to the work, the top finally agreed.

Mohan returned to the field again; this time it was Syria, where the conflict had left the country in ruins. He worked tirelessly, aiding in the reconstruction of war-torn neighborhoods, reuniting families separated by the conflict, and providing medical care to the injured and sick. Mohan's presence brought a glimmer of hope to a place engulfed in despair, his dedication to peace shining through every act of kindness.

True heroes don't live long in this world; they just need a little time to complete their mission.

It was a heartbreaking tragedy.

Mohan's journey as a peacekeeper came to an end during a mission in Yemen. Caught in an unexpected attack, he made the ultimate sacrifice, laying down his life in the line of duty.

The news of his passing sent shockwaves through the global peacekeeping community and beyond.

We honour the memory of Mohan Chandra Varma, a true hero who dedicated his life to the service of humanity. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched and the enduring spirit of peace he championed.

Mohan's story reminds us of the extraordinary courage and compassion of those who serve as UN peacekeepers, working tirelessly to create a safer, more just world.

The spirit gave birth to many other warriors in this arena to work for global peace.

I hope you remember the mission of Major Radhika Sen, an Indian military peacekeeper serving with the UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

In remembering Mohan, we are reminded that the pursuit of peace is not just the absence of conflict but the presence of justice, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to the dignity of every human being.

Wherever there is war—Israel or Gaza, Russia or Ukraine, Iraq or Kuwait, and numerous internal wars—it grabs our mental peace and grows fear for the thinking people.

It is the belief in one's own abilities, arrogance, and self-sufficiency that one tries to conquer in battle. At the same time, defense in war is a fight for survival or keeping their ideologies.

But war smells of blood.

During war, there are no ordinary people or soldiers, sick or healthy, and no women, men, or children.

It is counted as completely disastrous.

According to Mohan Varma's life story, it serves as an inspiration to us all and a testament to the power of one individual's resolve to make a difference in the world.

Today, May 29th, the world celebrates the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers. Remember, the United Nations Peacekeepers are now a force made up of over one and a half lakh people, both forces and civilians.

Tribute to those heroes.

Subhash Gopinath Savithri.

Tribute to our Heroes

Today, May 29th, the world celebrates the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers.