Fiji’s President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu has officiated a special investiture ceremony at State House, recognising trustees of the Sai Prema Foundation Fiji for their contributions to healthcare and community service.
The ceremony was attended by Sri Madhusudan Sai and members of the One World One Family Global Humanitarian Mission, which established the Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Children’s Hospital. Family members and close associates of the awardees were also present.
In his address, President Lalabalavu acknowledged the role of the humanitarian mission and Sri Madhusudan Sai in establishing the hospital, noting its impact in providing free healthcare services. He highlighted that the global mission delivers free nutrition, education and healthcare to disadvantaged communities across more than 100 countries.
The President also reflected on his engagement with the organisation, including officiating at its global cultural festival in 2025 and receiving medical treatment at its hospital in Muddenahalli, India.
He reaffirmed his support for the continued expansion of the hospital’s services across Fiji and the Pacific, emphasising his responsibility to ensure the wellbeing of all citizens, particularly those in need.
President Lalabalavu commended the hospital for delivering life-changing healthcare, including free heart surgeries for hundreds of Fijians and Pacific Islanders. He noted that while healthcare systems continue to develop, access to high-quality medical care remains out of reach for many, and praised the foundation for helping bridge that gap.
Mahendra Tappoo was invested as a Companion of the Order of Fiji, the country’s highest civilian honour. As Chairman and founding trustee of the foundation, he led the establishment of the children’s hospital in 2022 and has supported free medical, educational and social services since 2016. He also played a key role in establishing the heart screening centre for children in Fiji and the Pacific.
Maya Tappoo was also awarded Companion of the Order of Fiji for her longstanding humanitarian service. A founding trustee since 2016, she contributed to establishing the hospital and several health services, including a medical centre, diabetes centre and children’s dental facility. She is also involved in the Sai Annapoorna programme, which has delivered more than 4.65 million meals to families in need.
Rajendra Kumar received the Officer of the Order of Fiji for his service as a trustee since 2017 and his contributions to disaster response, medical outreach and support for vulnerable communities.
Kamlesh Tappoo was also awarded Officer of the Order of Fiji, recognising more than two decades of service and his involvement in community initiatives and health-related organisations.
Saisree Ranjani Bhatlapenumarthy, a physiotherapist based in India, was awarded the Honorary Medal of the Order of Fiji for her contribution to healthcare, including supporting the President’s recovery during medical treatment in 2025.
The President urged continued collaboration between the foundation and government to ensure such initiatives continue to support underprivileged communities and improve lives across Fiji and the region.
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