• President Droupadi Murmu was conferred the ‘Companion of the Order of Fiji’, the country’s highest civilian award, by President of Fiji Ratu Wiliame Katonivere in Suva on August 6.

• Murmu, who is on a two-day visit to Fiji, described the honour as a reflection of the deep ties of friendship between India and Fiji. 

• Last year, Fiji’s Prime Minister conferred the ‘Companion of the Order of Fiji’ to India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi in recognition of his global leadership.

Order of Fiji

• The Order of Fiji is the highest honour of the Fijian honours system. 

• Established in March 1995, the Order is presented for achievement and merit to Fiji and mankind as a whole. 

• The Order is divided into a general division and military division, and is presented in three classes, with an associated medal.

• The President of Fiji serves as the chancellor of the Order and also as the order’s Principal Companion.

• Following their terms of office, former Presidents remain as Companions of the Order of Fiji.

• The Order of Fiji has been a Commonwealth honour ever since Fiji returned to its membership of the Commonwealth in October 1997, albeit, as a republic in the Commonwealth of Nations.

(The author is a trainer for Civil Services aspirants.)