President Draupadi Murmu to Participate in 150th-Anniversary Celebration of India's arrival in Suriname

By: WE Staff | Tuesday, 6 June 2023

Today, President Chan Santokhi and President Draupadi Murmu are expected to pay tribute to the Mahatma Gandhi statue in Suriname to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Indian people’s arrival in Suriname. The President will also take part in the cultural events during the ceremony. President Draupadi Murmu and President Chandrikapersad Santokhi have signed several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) at the Presidential Palace in Paramaribo, and President Draupadi Murmu also made announcements to improve relations between India and Suriname.

Both Presidents will attend the cultural programs later in the evening along with taking part in those events, stated Saurabh Kumar, Secretary (East), a spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs.

While having discussions, President Santokhi referred to the Rashtrapati as his sister and used Hindi words and forms of greetings. According to him, President Draupadi Murmu thanked President Santokhi of Santokhi of Suriname for the warmth and hospitality she had received.

Mr. Saurabh stated, "President Santokhi specifically mentioned his visit to Indore and how well he was treated there and told President to pay his respects and pay his regards to Prime Minister Modi. In addition to this, President Murmu will introduce six projects with a great impact. Later, another major focus was to promote women's entrepreneurship by providing them with proper support in the cultivation of rice.

A list of MoUs was signed by both Presidents. They were related to pharmaceuticals, drug regulators, and cooperation in the field of medical product regulation, pharmaceutical products made by the Indian companies to be sold in Suriname. Along with these, a joint work plan for the agricultural and related sectors from 2023 to 2027 was signed and exchanged.

During the ceremony, both the Presidents presented their offerings to the statues of Baba and Mai who represent the arrival of the first Indian men and women in Suriname. They planted a sapling of Indian sandalwood that President Draupadi had brought from India to mark this momentous occasion.

The highest civilian honor of Suriname, the Grand Order of the Yellow Star was presented to Draupadi Murmu before the banquet in a formal ceremony. As she is the fourth person to receive this honor and also the first Indian to receive it. She lastly emphasized the accomplishment as a testament to all women, especially those who belong to the disadvantaged sections of society.