Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai, an Indian spiritual and humanitarian leader, was conferred the Companion of the Order of Fiji, the nation’s highest civilian honour, by President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu at the State House in Suva on Friday, April 25. The ceremony was attended by dignitaries from across Fiji and the world, marking a significant moment in the country’s recognition of global humanitarian efforts.
Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai joins a select group of previous recipients, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu—signalling Fiji’s acknowledgment of not only political leadership but also contributions to social and humanitarian causes.
Who is Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai?
Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai is the founder of the One World One Family global humanitarian mission, which works across more than 80 countries to improve access to healthcare, nutrition, and education. From operating the world’s largest free paediatric cardiac hospital network to launching India’s first completely free medical college, his work focuses on serving underserved populations with compassion and without commercialisation.
In his acceptance speech, he expressed humility, dedicating the honour to the collective efforts of his global team. “This honour is a testament to the collective efforts of so many who have worked tirelessly to uplift and support communities across the country as well as the entire Pacific region,” he said.
His impact in Fiji has been most visibly realised through the Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Children’s Hospital, the region’s first state-of-the-art, fully free paediatric hospital. By offering advanced medical care at no cost, the institution has become a lifeline for thousands of families across the Pacific who would otherwise have no access to such services.
Beyond healthcare infrastructure, Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai’s Sai Prema Foundation has played a pivotal role in delivering humanitarian aid across Fiji. From mobile medical camps and school nutrition programs to educational scholarships and disaster relief, the Foundation has partnered closely with the Fijian government and communities to bridge critical gaps in public services.
His work in Fiji is part of a broader global mission spanning over 80 countries. A daily nutrition program under his leadership now serves over 10 million children, and his network of free hospitals and outreach programs offers millions access to healthcare without financial burden. Most notably, he established the world’s first completely free medical college in India, with a curriculum grounded in service-oriented medicine.
While such recognition is not uncommon for heads of state and political leaders, Fiji’s honouring of a non-political figure for social impact signals a broader acknowledgment of the role grassroots humanitarianism plays in nation-building.
Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai’s message—“Serve others as you would serve yourself”—remains the guiding philosophy behind a growing movement that continues to reshape lives not just in Fiji, but across continents.
