Suriname Confers Its Highest Civilian Honour On President Murmu

President Droupadi Murmu has been conferred with the highest civilian honour of Suriname, in the capital city of Paramaribo on Tuesday. President Murmu is presently on a visit to the tiny country on the commemoration of the 150th year of arrival of Indians in Suriname.

The President said she was greatly honoured 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. I also dedicate this honour to the successive generations of the Indian-Surinamese community, who have played a stellar role in enriching the fraternal ties between our two countries," she said.

Addressing the event to mark the arrival of Indians, President Murmu said, "It is my hope that in the days to come, the Indian community will continue to strengthen this relationship, and each and every individual among you will continue to act as a bridge between India and Suriname, connecting both countries. On this occasion, I invite all of you to come to India, to witness India's development journey and to participate in it."

"Today, on this historic occasion, I am very pleased to announce at this forum, that my government has approved extending the eligibility criteria for the Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card from the fourth generation to the sixth generation," she said, highlighting the similarities between India, that is well known for its diversity, and Suriname.

President Murmu said the deep attachment and love demonstrated by the Indian Surinamese in their efforts to protect this rich heritage and language, and to convey it to the young generation, touches the hearts of all Indians. "The people of both countries could integrate very easily in each other's societies. I feel like I am at my own home!" she said.

President Murmu was received by President Chandrikapersad Santokhi of Suriname at the Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport with full State honours.