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 — in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to Fiji through his humanitarian efforts and musical talent.
Often likened to India’s Bharat Ratna, this prestigious honour is conferred by the President of Fiji and represents the pinnacle of national recognition. It celebrates Tappoo’s unwavering dedication to serving the country he proudly represents on the world stage.
The honour was bestowed during a grand investiture ceremony at the State House in Suva by His Excellency, the President of Fiji, Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere. The ceremony saw three individuals recognised for their exceptional service: Sumeet Tappoo, Dr. Krupali Tappoo, and Sri Madhusudan Sai. The President hailed them as “beacons of compassion and cultural pride for the people of Fiji.”
Though globally celebrated as a Bollywood singer and performing artist, Sumeet Tappoo’s work transcends entertainment. He serves as Chairman of the Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Children’s Hospital, the first and only paediatric cardiac super-specialty hospital in the South Pacific. The hospital provides 100% free heart surgeries to children across Fiji and neighbouring Pacific Island nations.
In an emotional acceptance speech, Tappoo said,
“Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine receiving Fiji’s highest honour. I am deeply humbled and grateful to His Excellency for this recognition. I believe that to whom much is given, much is expected — and I will continue striving to serve humanity.”
He described the hospital as a “divine miracle” and an “enduring monument of love,” reflecting on how a once-distant dream became a world-class reality, saving and transforming lives.
“This is the power of love. This is the power of goodness. This is the power of humanity,” he said.
Joining Sumeet in receiving the honour was Dr. Krupali Tappoo, Director of the hospital, recognised for her vital role in ensuring operational excellence and advancing paediatric cardiac care across the region.
Also honoured was Sri Madhusudan Sai, global humanitarian and spiritual leader, who founded both the hospital and the ‘One World, One Family Global Humanitarian Mission’. His award acknowledges his visionary leadership in establishing the hospital and his expansive contributions to free healthcare, nutrition, and education globally.
With this recognition, Sri Madhusudan Sai joins an elite group of Indian dignitaries awarded Fiji’s highest honour — a distinction previously given only to Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and President Smt Droupadi Murmu.
Since its inception, the Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Children’s Hospital has achieved remarkable milestones:
- 378 life-saving heart surgeries
- Over 30,000 paediatric echocardiograms
- More than 40,000 free outpatient consultations — all at zero cost to patients
President Lalabalavu commended the trio’s devotion and noted the hospital as one of Fiji’s most successful examples of public-private partnership in healthcare.
This collective recognition is not just a personal milestone for the recipients, but a moment of pride for all Fijians — a symbol of how compassion, service, and vision can come together to build a better future.
For Sumeet Tappoo, the award is more than just an honour — it’s a reaffirmation of his life’s mission. Rooted in his deep love for Fiji, his journey continues to uplift lives — through both the healing rhythms of music and the life-changing reach of humanitarian service.