India extends OCI card eligibility for sixth generation of Indian immigrants in Suriname

New Delhi: The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, made a significant announcement today regarding the eligibility criteria for Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards living in Suriname.

The Government of India has decided to extend the eligibility from the fourth generation to the sixth generation of the original Indian immigrants who arrived in Suriname from Indian territories.

President Murmu emphasized the importance of the OCI card as a vital link in the 150-year-old relationship between India and Suriname. She urged members of the Indian diaspora to actively maintain their connections with India, fostering the enduring bond between the two nations.

Highlighting the occasion of Suriname's celebration of its ancestors and deep-rooted connections with India, President Murmu expressed India's solidarity and reverence towards Suriname.

She underlined the significance of this historical day, marking the arrival of the first group of Indians on the shores of Suriname aboard the ship Lalla Rookh in 1873, which initiated a new chapter in the country's history.

Earlier in the day, President Murmu paid tribute at the Baba and Mai monument, a symbolic representation of the first Indian man and woman who set foot in Suriname. Subsequently, she showed her respect at the Mama Sranan monument, which portrays Mama Sranan, symbolizing Mother Suriname embracing her five children, representing the five ethnicities inhabiting Suriname with care and affection. These visits served as poignant gestures, honouring the legacy and contributions of the Indian community in Suriname.

The extension of OCI card eligibility reflects India's commitment to recognizing and acknowledging the Indian diaspora's enduring ties and ancestral heritage. This move further strengthens the relationship between India and Suriname, as both nations continue to foster cultural, economic, and social cooperation based on a shared history and mutual respect.

In addition, a cultural festival commemorating the 150th anniversary of the arrival of Indians in Suriname was witnessed by President Smt. Droupadi Murmu of India and President Chandrikapersad Santokhi of Suriname. The event took place in Paramaribo at Independence Square, where the President addressed the gathering and highlighted the significance of this milestone in Suriname's history.

President Murmu expressed her admiration for Suriname as a multicultural society and a land of opportunities, emphasizing that the country has warmly welcomed diverse communities throughout its history.

She commended the people of Suriname for their dedication to unity and inclusiveness, which has fostered a strong sense of national identity and belonging. The President also praised the Indian diaspora for maintaining their connections with their roots despite geographical distances and cultural diversity.

Noting the progress made by both Suriname and India in rebuilding their economies and social systems after colonial rule, President Murmu highlighted the shared aspirations for development that form the basis of bilateral relations between the two nations.

She stressed the importance of solidarity and cooperation in addressing global challenges, referencing India's assistance to over 100 countries during the Covid-19 pandemic as an example of India's commitment to an inclusive world order.

During a ceremony at the Presidential Palace, President Murmu was honoured with Suriname's highest civilian distinction, the 'Grand Order of the Chain of the Yellow Star,' presented by President Santokhi.

Expressing her gratitude for this recognition, the President dedicated the honour to the Indian-Surinamese community and its contributions to the deepening partnership between the two countries.

The Indian-origin population in Suriname, also known as Indo-Surinamese or Hindustani Surinamese, refers to those originally from India but whose future generations are now Surinamese nationals. The Dutch and the British brought them as workers and labourers to the then-Dutch colony of Suriname from the mid-19th to the early 20th century. Today, there are more than 300,000 citizens of Indo-Surinamese origin in Suriname, constituting approximately 28 to 30 per cent of the total population, making them the largest ethnic group in the country.

The celebration of this historic milestone marks a reaffirmation of the strong bonds between India and Suriname, as both countries continue to build a mutually beneficial partnership based on shared values and aspirations for the future.