New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu, who is on a three-day visit to Suriname, was conferred with the highest civilian award of the country, the Grand Order of the Chain of the Yellow Star.
Taking to Twitter, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the President. “This special gesture from the Government and people of Suriname symbolizes the enduring friendship between our countries,” he said.
President Murmu said she was “greatly honored to receive Suriname’s highest distinction”. “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 honor to the successive generations of the Indian-Surinamese community, who have played a stellar role in enriching the fraternal ties between our two countries,” the President tweeted.
The President, meanwhile, announced that the Indian government has approved the extension of eligibility criteria for the Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card from fourth generation to sixth generation. “This will help all those whose ancestors came to Suriname on board the first ship-Lalla Rookh, to get OCI cards,” Murmu said.
President Murmu met her counterpart in Suriname, Chandrikapersad Santokhi. She also led delegation-level talks between the two sides. “This is my first visit to your country. There are so many similarities between India which is well known for its diversity and Suriname… I feel like I am at my own home,” Murmu said.
