Meeting UN Female Police Peacekeepers- Liberia

I had an invitation from the commander Siam Mehara, leader of Indian blue helmet peacekeepers in Monrovia, Liberia. Upon the invitation, I was to be at Tubman House Indian Force Police Unit-1 14th of November at 5 PM. Because of traffic on the way, I was only able to reach at 7 PM in the evening. Throughout my way, I was wondering, if there would have been more bicycles in Monrovia, the traffic jams would have got down and people would get relief of the hectic traffic.

For the delay because of traffic jam, I owe a big apology from FPU 1 family as they had to wait so long for me and also got confused if I had arrived twice before I actually did. I felt shy when officers said that they were confused for my arrival when Bikash Ghimire and SP Gopal Gurung had been to congotown police unit some moments before me.

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On entering the FPU-1 unit, I was greeted welcome from the gate by respected police officers individually making a bar on two sides of the way from where I had to get inside the premises. I felt honoured and I must say it was among the best welcome of my life.

After getting in, I saw a beautiful dash with projector where I was provided an opportunity to share my message.

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After a moment, I was to present myself. With the welcoming and appreciation I got, I was so overwhelmed and got emotional that I was not able to express myself for first few moments. Nepal FPU 1 deputy commander Bikash Ghimire got the stage for some time till I was comfortable to share my message. Sometimes later, I recovered and shared hope with which I travel the world which is to have at least a small impact on people’s mind towards working for protection of environment and building peace. Also I shared about my travels and achievements so far being to the 100 countries. Challenges and constraints came together with the achievements.

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After the program I got a chance to talk about the burning issue of bicycle being banned in Kolkata. It was so bad to know that the government of Kolkata had banned bicycle stating the cause of increased traffic and probable accident. We talked about the issue and discussed the undeniable fact that besides being environment friendly and healthy; bicycle has been a way of living for the underprivileged people in India. I made a commitment to be in India while I return my homeland for celebrating 100th country and try to share my message for bicycle; for environment to the opinion makers.

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It was for the first time in life, I got a chance to be in a peacekeeping unit led and operated by female police members. I would like to express my gratitude to Gopal Gurung, Bikash Ghimire and Raju Shrestha for coordination.Meeting-UN-Female-Police-Peacekeepers-Liberia5-320x220

It was a joyful and amazing experience to just be there and being welcomed and have a wonderful time sharing the message of PEACE AND HARMONY.

 

Furtemba Sherpa