Mumbai-based, Fiji-born singer and humanitarian Sumeet Tappoo has been awarded the Companion of the Order of Fiji, the nation’s highest civilian honour, for his humanitarian services and musical contributions.
- The award was conferred by President of Fiji, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, during a grand investiture ceremony at the State House in Suva.
- Others awarded:
- Dr. Krupali Tappoo (Director, Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Children’s Hospital)
- Sri Madhusudan Sai (Global humanitarian and spiritual leader)
About Companion of Order of Fiji
| Feature | Description |
| Type | Highest honour of Fiji (equivalent to Bharat Ratna in India) |
| Established | 1 March 1995 |
| Divisions | General and Military |
| Classes | Companion (CF), Officer (OF), Member (MF), Medal (MOF) |
| Presented By | President of Fiji |
| Purpose | Awarded for achievement and merit to Fiji and mankind as a whole |
| Commonwealth Honour | Recognized within the Commonwealth of Nations since 1997 |
Notable Indian Recipients of Companion of the Order of Fiji:
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi
- President Droupadi Murmu
- Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
- Sri Madhusudan Sai (2024)
- Sumeet Tappoo (2024)
About Sumeet Tappoo
- Renowned Bollywood singer and international artist.
- Known globally for blending music with social service.
- Serves as Chairman of Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Children’s Hospital (Fiji).
- South Pacific’s first and only paediatric cardiac super-specialty hospital.
- Offers 100% free heart surgeries and consultations to children from Fiji and neighbouring islands.
Dr. Krupali Tappoo
- Director of the hospital.
- Key figure in enhancing paediatric cardiac care across Fiji and the Pacific region.
- Focuses on operational excellence and expansion of free cardiac healthcare services.
Sri Madhusudan Sai
- Founder of the ‘One World, One Family’ Global Humanitarian Mission.
- Visionary behind the Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Children’s Hospital in Fiji.
- Recognized for global work in healthcare, nutrition, and education.
- One of the few Indians to receive this honour after Modi and Murmu.
Impact of Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Hospital (Fiji)
Since Inception:
- 378+ free life-saving heart surgeries
- 30,000+ paediatric echocardiograms
- 40,000+ free outpatient consultations