In a momentous occasion, President Droupadi Murmu was conferred with the esteemed Grand Order of the Chain of Yellow Star, Suriname’s highest civilian award. The prestigious accolade was presented to her by President Chandrikapersad Santokhi, the President of the Republic of Suriname. President Murmu, the first Indian to receive this esteemed recognition, expressed her deep appreciation for the honor and emphasized its significance not only for herself but also for the people of India.
In a tweet, President Murmu stated, “I am greatly honored to receive Suriname‘s highest distinction, ‘Grand Order of the Chain of the Yellow Star.’ This recognition holds tremendous significance, not only for me but also for the 1.4 billion people of India whom I represent.” She dedicated the award to the successive generations of the Indian-Surinamese community, acknowledging their pivotal role in enriching the fraternal ties between the two countries.
President Droupadi Murmu Receives Suriname’s Highest Civilian Honor, Strengthening Indo-Surinamese Ties
President Droupadi Murmu commenced her state visit to Serbia and Suriname with her arrival in Paramaribo, Suriname on June 4. At the Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport, she received a warm welcome with full state honors from President Chandrikapersad Santokhi. The visit symbolized the significance of the bilateral relationship between India and Suriname.
The President’s engagements began with a visit to the Presidential Palace in Paramaribo, where she had a fruitful meeting with President Santokhi. The warm hospitality extended by her counterpart left a positive impression on President Murmu. Furthermore, she expressed delight upon discovering that Hindi is widely spoken in Suriname, evoking a sense of familiarity with her Indian roots.
During the visit, India and Suriname signed four significant Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in the fields of health, agriculture, and capacity building. These agreements further exemplify the commitment to strengthen cooperation and collaboration between the two nations. The delegation-level talks led by President Murmu emphasized the shared interests and aspirations of India and Suriname.
President Murmu expressed her joy at being in Suriname on her first state visit as the President of India, particularly during the commemoration of the 150th anniversary of Indians’ arrival in Suriname. This milestone holds special significance, highlighting the enduring historical and cultural bonds between the two countries.
President Droupadi Murmu Receives Suriname’s Highest Civilian Honor, Strengthening Bilateral Relations and Celebrating Indian-Surinamese Heritage
The visit not only focused on diplomatic affairs but also fostered cultural exchange. President Droupadi Murmu was presented with special covers of stamps, marking the 150 years of the arrival of Indians in Suriname. This gesture exemplifies the deep appreciation for the contributions made by the Indian-Surinamese community and their role in nurturing the strong ties between India and Suriname.
The successful state visit further solidified the friendship and cooperation between India and Suriname. President Murmu’s presence in Suriname served as a testament to the commitment to enhance bilateral relations and explore opportunities for mutual growth and development. The discussions and agreements reached during the visit set the stage for closer collaboration in the fields of health, agriculture, and capacity building.
In conclusion, President Droupadi Murmu’s receipt of Suriname’s highest civilian honor, the Grand Order of the Chain of Yellow Star, marked a significant milestone in Indo-Surinamese relations. Her visit to Suriname, accompanied by fruitful discussions and the signing of vital agreements, reinforced the commitment to strengthening ties between the two nations. The recognition and appreciation extended to the Inadin-Surinamese community further emphasized the shared cultural heritage and the role it plays in fostering the enduring bond between India and Suriname.