President Droupadi Murmu receives Fiji’s highest civilian award

President Droupadi Murmu was honored with the Companion of the Order of Fiji, the highest civilian award of Fiji, during her two-day visit to the country. President Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere of Fiji conferred the award upon her, making her the first Indian head of state to receive this recognition. During her visit, President Murmu emphasized the strong ties between India and Fiji and expressed India’s readiness to collaborate with Fiji to build a more resilient and prosperous nation. President Murmu also addressed the Fijian Parliament, highlighting the shared values and commonalities between India and Fiji, including vibrant democracies and a commitment to equality and individual rights.

She praised Fiji for its peaceful way of life and multicultural environment, noting that the rest of the world could learn from the country. She expressed confidence that the new projects announced during her visit, such as the establishment of a Super Specialty Cardiology Hospital in Suva, would address the priority needs of the people in Fiji and the wider Pacific region. She also acknowledged the contributions of the “Girmitiyas” and their descendants, who arrived in Fiji from India over 145 years ago and have since played a significant role in shaping the country.

During her visit, President Murmu met with Fijian leaders to discuss deepening bilateral ties and witnessed the progress of the ‘Solarisation of Heads of State Residences’ project, an Indian initiative aimed at solarizing the residences of the heads of state. She thanked the Indian community for preserving their cultural heritage and contributing to Fiji’s development, emphasizing the role of the Indian diaspora as a bridge between India and Fiji.

President Murmu also commended the Fijian government for recognizing the contributions of the Girmits and their descendants and for taking steps such as declaring “Girmit Day” a national holiday and making Hindi the official language in the Parliament. Lastly, President Murmu expressed India’s commitment to further strengthening ties with the Indian diaspora through initiatives like the Overseas Citizen of India Card (OCI Card) and the “Know India Programme.” After her visit to Fiji, President Murmu is scheduled to travel to New Zealand.