PM Modi conferred with Egypt’s highest state honour ‘Order of the Nile’ award
Cairo (ANI)- Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi on Sunday conferred Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Egypt’s highest state honour, the ‘Order of the Nile’ award, in Cairo.
This is the 13th such highest state honour that various countries across the world have conferred upon PM Modi and is a moment of pride for India.
In the past nine years of his tenure, PM Modi has received many international awards including Companion of the Order of Logohu, Companion of the Order of Fiji and Ebakl Award by the Republic of Palau among others.
Meanwhile, PM Modi, Egyptian President El-Sisi on Sunday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Egypt’s Cairo.
The Prime Minister on Sunday visited the Heliopolis War Cemetery in Egypt’s Cairo and paid tribute to the Indian soldiers who made supreme sacrifices during the First World War.
PM Modi on Sunday also visited the Al-Hakim Mosque in Cairo.
READ MORE : India, US take pride in their diversity; institutions in both countries based on democratic values: Modi
The Al-Hakim Mosque is an 11th Century significant historical and cultural site in Egypt’s Cairo. The mosque stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage shared by India and Egypt.
What adds even greater significance to the PM’s visit is the remarkable restoration of the Al-Hakim mosque, made possible through the unwavering dedication and support of the Dawoodi Bohra community.
The Al-Hakim mosque, with its centuries-old legacy, serves as a beacon of religious and historical importance showcasing the intermingling of Indian and Egyptian cultures.
PM Modi is on a State visit to Egypt from June 24-25.
PM Modi’s Egypt visit comes as a reciprocal gesture following President El-Sisi’s presence as the Chief Guest at India’s Republic Day celebrations earlier this year. The visit of President El-Sisi to India proved to be highly successful, culminating in both nations mutually agreeing to elevate their relations to the status of a strategic partnership.
PM Modi on Saturday held a roundtable meeting with his Egyptian counterpart Mostafa Madbouly in Cairo on Saturday.
Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi tweeted, It is with great humility that I accept the ‘Order of the Nile.’ I thank the Government and people of Egypt for this honour. It indicates the warmth and affection they have towards India and the people of our nation.
It is with great humility that I accept the 'Order of the Nile.’ I thank the Government and people of Egypt for this honour. It indicates the warmth and affection they have towards India and the people of our nation. pic.twitter.com/ZTh3g0nn9P
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 25, 2023
After landing in Egypt, the prime minister arrived at a hotel in Cairo amid a rousing welcome and chants of ‘Vande Mataram’ and ‘Modi Modi’.
Several members of the Indian community were present at the Ritz Carlton Hotel to welcome PM Modi.
The Indian diaspora displayed their enthusiasm by waving the Tricolour and chanting “Modi Modi” and “Vande Mataram” slogans. Many children were also present in the diaspora. Many people also sang Indian songs and presented cultural programmes to welcome PM Modi.
About Order of the Nile award
According to the official website of the Arab Republic Of Egypt Presidency, the ‘Order of the Nile’ is a civil decoration of Egypt that was established in 1915 by Sultan Hussein Kamel. It is awarded to both Egyptians and foreigners for distinguished service to Egypt, either in the military or in the civilian sector.
The Order was established as per law no. 528/1953 that was later replaced by law no. 12/1972. It is Egypt highest state honor.
It is one of the President’s competencies. It shall be granted to heads of states, crown princes, and vice presidents. It also may be given to Egyptians and foreigners who offer Egypt or humanity invaluable services. Those who receive it shall be saluted upon their death.
The Order of the Nile is a pure gold collar consisting of three square gold unites on which there are Pharaonic symbols. The first unit resembles the idea of protecting the state against the evils, the second one resembles prosperity and happiness brought by the Nile and the third one refers to wealth and endurance. Units are connected to one another by a circular gold flower decorated with turquoise and ruby.
Hanging from the collar is a hexagonal pendant decorated with flowers of the Pharaonic style, and turquoise and ruby gems. In the middle of the pendant, there is a protruding symbol representing the Nile that brings together the North (represented by the Papyrus) and the South (represented by the Lotus).
As per the website, the order has five classes:
- Grand Cordon with Collar
- Grand Cordon
- First Class
- Second Class
- Third Class