The City Key of Honour — sounds majestic, doesn’t it? That’s exactly what President Droupadi Murmu received during her state visit to Portugal! The Lisbon Mayor, Carlos Moedas, greeted her with a warm “Namaskar! Madam President. Aapka Lisbon mein Swagat hai” – blending Indian and Portuguese cultures beautifully.
The City Key of Honour isn’t your usual key. It’s a powerful symbol. When someone receives it, they’re being recognized as a respected friend of the city. So, when President Murmu received the City Key of Honour, she was made an honorary citizen of Lisbon – a lovely gesture of friendship.
The ceremony took place in the Câmara Municipal de Lisboa – a building where Portugal’s First Republic was announced back in 1910. President Murmu was welcomed with a Guard of Honour and was then escorted to the Noble Salon, a grand room filled with cheers from Indian-Portuguese citizens. And in that very hall, she was presented the City Key of Honour.
Opening with “Bom Dia” (Good Morning in Portuguese), the President won hearts. She spoke of the deep cultural links between India and Portugal – from yoga and Ayurveda to Indian cuisine and films. The City Key of Honour wasn’t just for her, she reminded, but a recognition of India’s long-standing friendship with Portugal.
She also highlighted the shared responsibilities both nations carry on global platforms, making this gesture even more meaningful.
Mayor Moedas spoke warmly about India and quoted the Upanishads: Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – “The world is one family.” He emphasized the importance of unity and innovation, calling India a land of unicorn startups. Lisbon, too, is a center of innovation. And through the City Key of Honour, he said, they were celebrating not only a leader but an entire culture.
Lisbon recently launched its “Unicorn Factory” and has attracted top startups, creating 16,000 jobs. Similarly, India is home to over 110 unicorns! The City Key of Honour was a reminder that both countries believe in tech, growth, and working for the greater good.
Did you know? Over 1,25,000 Indians now live in Portugal! Many hail from Gujarat and Goa, and they contribute immensely to Portugal’s economy and culture. The City Key of Honour awarded to President Murmu also symbolized the deep bond between the people of both nations.
The moment when President Droupadi Murmu received the City Key of Honour in Portugal is something to feel proud about. It shows how India’s values, traditions, and progress are respected across the globe.
Let’s remember, when the City Key of Honour was handed to our President, it wasn’t just an award – it was a celebration of India’s friendship, innovation, and global spirit!
Authored by, Amay Mathur | Senior Editor
Amay Mathur is a business news reporter at Chegg.com. He previously worked for PCMag, Business Insider, The Messenger, and ZDNET as a reporter and copyeditor. His areas of coverage encompass tech, business, strategy, finance, and even space. He is a Columbia University graduate.
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