July 9, 2023: Prime Minister Narendra Modi receives Egypt's highest honour, the 'Order of the Nile', adding to an impressive collection of international accolades.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi received the "Order of the Nile," the highest state honour bestowed by Egypt, during his official visit there.
This was the first visit to Egypt by an Indian Prime Minister since 1997, and the award was given to him by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.
In picture: Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi
Picture source: wikipedia
"The order of the Nile" is 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).
It's important to mention that when someone receives this honour, they are remembered and honoured after they pass away.
Three square gold pieces with pharaonic symbols have been attached to the award's collar, which is composed entirely of pure gold. The first unit stands for the defence of the state against hatred, the second for the prosperity and happiness brought by the Nile, and the third for wealth and strength.
The three units are connected by a circular gold flower. It has beautiful turquoise and ruby decorations. Hanging from the collar is a hexagonal pendant. The pendant is decorated with pharaonic flowers and has turquoise and ruby gems on it. In the centre of the pendant, there is a prominent symbol that represents the Nile River. The Nile River unites the northern region, shown by the papyrus, and the southern region, represented by the lotus flower.
This distinction is the 13th international honour that Prime Minister Modi has won since he took over in 2014.
Prime Minister Modi has been honoured with numerous prestigious awards from various countries and organisations. These include:
- Companion of the Order of Logohu (Papua New Guinea) in May 2023: Presented in recognition of his efforts to promote unity among Pacific Island nations and advocate for the Global South.
- Companion of the Order of Fiji (Fiji) in May 2023: This highest honour was bestowed upon PM Modi for his exceptional global leadership.
- Ebakl Award (Republic of Palau) in May 2023: During his visit to Papua New Guinea, the President of Palau honoured PM Modi with this award for his outstanding contributions.
- Order of the Druk Gyalpo (Bhutan) in December 2021: Bhutan's highest civilian decoration, awarded to PM Modi in acknowledgement of his notable achievements.
- Legion of Merit (United States) in 2020: An esteemed recognition from the US Armed Forces, awarded to PM Modi for his exceptional services and accomplishments.
- King Hamad Order of the Renaissance (Bahrain) in 2019: The top honour of Bahrain, bestowed upon PM Modi in appreciation of his distinguished leadership.
- Order of the Distinguished Rule of Nishan Izzuddin (Maldives) in 2019: The highest honour of the Maldives, presented to foreign dignitaries, including PM Modi
- Order of St. Andrew Award (Russia) in 2019
- Order of Zayed Award (United Arab Emirates) in 2019
- Grand Collar of the State of Palestine Award (Palestine) (2018): The highest honour from Palestine, awarded to foreign dignitaries, including PM Modi.
- State Order of Ghazi Amir Amanullah Khan (Afghanistan) (2016): Afghanistan's highest civilian honour, conferred upon PM Modi for his outstanding achievements.
- Order of Abdulaziz Al Saud (Saudi Arabia) (2016): Saudi Arabia's highest honour for non-Muslim dignitaries, bestowed upon PM Modi
In addition to these country awards, Prime Minister Modi has also received recognition from esteemed organisations and foundations, including:
- Global Energy and Environment Leadership Award (Cambridge Energy Research Associates, CERA) 2021: Presented to PM Modi in appreciation of his commitment to global energy and environmental issues.
- Global Goalkeeper' Award (Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation) in 2019: Conferred upon PM Modi for his remarkable efforts in the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission).
- Champions of The Earth Award (United Nations) 2018: The highest environmental honour of the United Nations, bestowed upon PM Modi
- Seoul Peace Prize (Seoul Peace Prize Cultural Foundation) 2018: An esteemed award presented to PM Modi in recognition of his contributions to peace and harmony.
These awards reflect the recognition and appreciation PM Modi has received for his exceptional leadership and contributions to various fields.