PRIME Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama got a pleasant surprise in his suite at the Shangri La Eros Hotel in New Delhi on early Saturday morning when a small Fijian delegation including the sugar industry officials went to wish him well on his birthday.
His plans to go to the gymnasium had to be aborted as the group walked into the suite with a specially made birthday cake and a salusalu (garland) for the little celebration.
It was a double celebration for Commodore Bainimarama as his 11th grandchild was born on Friday.
While it might not be as big and pomp if celebrated back in Fiji, Commodore Bainimarama was really touched by the gesture.
"I am really surprised, I didn't expect this," he told the delegation.
"Thank you very much for this and I wish you all the best in the things that you do."
Commodore Bainimarama said this birthday was very special for him because of the arrival of the new addition to his extended family.
Ministry of Sugar permanent secretary Lieutenant Colonel Manasa Vaniqi said the sugar delegation in India for the International Sugar Organisation council session, the Fiji High Commission staff and students studying in New Delhi paid Commodore Bainimarama a surprise visit to mark his birthday and celebrate his achievements.
"It is fitting that this has to happen in New Delhi, the capital city of the world's biggest democracy," Lt-Col Vaniqi said.
"We admire your courage, far sightedness and wisdom to bring about real changes in our political system."
"You have not been swayed nor tempted in your resolve to build a new Fiji for all, a Fiji that will dwell on fairness, true democracy, goodwill, tolerance and understanding," he said.
The group was then treated to a special breakfast before leaving for Amritsar in Punjab on Saturday.