President Droupadi Murmu conferred Suriname’s highest civilian award

President Murmu said she was “greatly honoured 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 was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

On Monday, 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.

Speaking on the occasion, Santokhi said, “It is still the same glorious Indian culture that we celebrate and enjoy here in Suriname. Indian cultural heritage is one of the most binding factors between our two beloved countries.”

— with inputs from ANI, PTI