Honoured in Afghanistan: "It was a mission that stood oddly with the violence, terror and arms culture of Afghanistan. Vijay Thakur Singh, a young woman diplomat, had been posted to the Indian mission soon after the Taliban’s fall and entrusted with the task of overseeing and co-ordinating the Indian humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan. More than three years later, she is being transferred to Spain but not without making a name for herself. Be it the idea of sending high protein biscuits instead of wheat (that Pakistan wouldn’t allow through its territory) or rebuilding a school where the who’s who of Afghanistan have studied, Singh was able to make an impact.

Afghans associated her with better schools, health facilities and women upliftment, so when her transfer orders came, the Hamid Karzai Administration is believed to have wanted to honour her with the country’s second highest civilian award. But government rules prevent IFS officers from accepting such awards. Singh, however, has built a foundation of trust that will do good India good for years to come."

Very cool.