Lakshmi Puri: Championing Gender Equality Through Literature and Diplomacy

Lakshmi Puri, a former Indian diplomat and UN Assistant Secretary-General, has been influential in promoting gender equality through her work and literature. At a recent UN event, her contributions were celebrated, emphasizing her belief in UN values and the role of women in sustainable development, as highlighted in her debut novel 'Swallowing the Sun'.

Former Indian diplomat Lakshmi Puri's significant contributions to promoting gender equality and sustainable development were lauded at a recent side event at the UN Headquarters. UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed emphasized Puri's dedication to integrating gender perspectives into the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), highlighting her tenure as a former UN Assistant Secretary-General and Deputy Executive Director of UN Women.

Puri's debut novel, 'Swallowing the Sun', reflects her deep commitment to UN values and gender equality. Drawing from personal and historical stories, the novel resonates with the UN Charter's mission to create a better world. Puri shared that her novel encompasses themes of coming of age, an epic love story, and the transformative power of youth while stressing the importance of gender equality and women's empowerment.

During the event, President of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly Dennis Francis also acknowledged Puri's distinguished career and her advocacy for the 'He For She' campaign. He emphasized the need for society to encourage and support women's contributions. The event, organized by the Permanent Mission of Saint Lucia in cooperation with UN Women and other organizations, underscored the collective responsibility to foster peace and inclusivity, a sentiment echoed by Menissa Rambally, Permanent Representative of Saint Lucia to the UN.

(With inputs from agencies.)