New Delhi/Paramaribo (Suriname), June 7 (UNI) President Droupadi Murmu, who is on a State Visit to Suriname, said that Suriname and the Surinamese people hold a very special place in the hearts of Indians, and the Indian diaspora acts as a bridge of friendship and cooperation between the two countries.
In an address to the Indian community in Paramaribo, she said the priority of the Indian government is to build everlasting links with the Indian Diaspora across the world.
“We may be separated by geography, but we are united by our shared history and heritage. Suriname and the Surinamese people hold a very special place in our hearts. You all act as a bridge of friendship and cooperation between our two countries - in a way you are the Permanent Ambassadors of India in Suriname!,” she told the Indian diaspora, at an event also attended by Suriname President Chandrikapersad Santokhi.
“We are proud to see the leaders of Indian origin in Suriname reach the highest echelons of public service,” she added.
She was addressing a community reception hosted by the Indian Embassy in Paramaribo for the Indian diaspora and friends of India.
Before the commencement of the reception a two-minute silence was observed to condole the loss of lives in the rail accident at Balasore, Odisha.
President Murmu also appreciated the Indian diaspora for preserving Indian culture and traditions in Suriname and applauded their contribution in building strong ties between both countries.
Earlier, President Murmu and President Santokhi paid homage at a statue of Mahatma Gandhi.
President Murmu also paid homage at the monument of 'Gevallen Helden 1902' in Paramaribo. The monument stands as a reminder of the struggle for workers’ rights and social justice in Suriname’s history.
She also visited the Lalla Rookh Museum in Paramaribo. The museum’s collection includes artefacts and relics that reveal many facets of the arduous journey undertaken by the Indian community to Suriname 150 years ago from India.
The museum named after Lalla Rookh, the first ship that carried Indians to Suriname, preserves Indian diaspora’s cultural heritage and the history of their arrival in Suriname.
Earlier, President Murmu was conferred the highest civilian award of Suriname – Grand Order of the Chain of the Yellow Star.
UNI RN