The President of India, Droupadi Murmu has been traditionally welcomed in an iTaukei and a Hindu ceremony at the Grand Pacific Hotel by the Government of Fiji.
The traditional iTaukei welcoming ceremony was performed by the Vanua of Natauvakarua from Kalokolevu Village in Rewa and the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs while the Hindu ceremony was conducted by the Shree Sanatan Dharm Pratinidhi Sabha.
A representative from iTaukei Affairs, Ratu Kitione Vesikula acknowledged the presence of the President for leaving her busy schedule to visit Fiji.
Ratu Kitione says they hope Murmu will enjoy her two-day visit to the State.
Shree Sanatan Dharm Pratinidhi Sabha of Fiji General Secretary Krishneel Tiwari says this is an important visit to the State as it strengthens relations between the countries.
Tiwari says her visit underscores the strong and enduring ties between Fiji and India and it also highlights the shared commitment to the cultural exchange, mutual respect and coorporation.
Murmu acknowledged the traditional ceremony conducted and she also appreciated the maintaining of our culture because it defines our identity.
While speaking through an interpreter, the President says that maintaining our identity in our society will create unity among multi-races.
She says she was not offered kava, but if she were, she would have definitely drank it.
Murmu says something similar is done in her culture as well.
She also appreciated the fact that she has been included into the Fijian family.
Murmu arrived into Nausori International Airport this morning and was accorded a 100-man Guard of Honour.
She was received and welcomed by the Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration Pio Tikoduadua and Fiji’s High Commissioner to India Jagnnath Sami.
In attendance were the Commander RFMF, Divisional Police Commander Central, Commissioner Central Division, and the High Commissioner of India to Fiji.
She is also expected to hold meetings with President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere and Rabuka.
Murmu will meet the Indian diaspora at GPH in the afternoon and will then lay a wreath at the National War Memorial site at 4pm.
She will go to Mahatma Gandhi Memorial High School to pay her respect to the statue of Mahatma Gandhi and then be at the State House for a reception at 6pm.
Murmu will be visiting the Sri Siva Subramaniya Swami Temple in Nadi tomorrow morning.
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