Ex Maharashtra Chief Secy Sumit Mullick Honoured with Japan’s Order of the Rising Sun
Gold and Silver Rays awarded for his role in deepening India-Japan relations
Mumbai, India — Yagi Koji, Consul-General of Japan in Mumbai, hosted a conferment ceremony for Sumit Mullick, Former Chief Secretary, Maharashtra State, on Tuesday, September 2. The former top bureaucrat received the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays, which was conferred by His Majesty Emperor Naruhito, in recognition of his contribution to strengthening bilateral relations and the promotion of friendship and mutual understanding between Japan and India, especially between Wakayama and the State of Maharashtra.
Consul-General Yagi also expressed his heartfelt appreciation to Mullick for his over a decade-long dedication to fostering ties between Japan, particularly with Wakayama Prefecture, and Maharashtra.
Earlier, the Consulate-General of Japan in Mumbai had announced that Sumit Mullick, former Chief Secretary of Maharashtra, would be conferred with the prestigious Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays. The recognition comes as part of the Government of Japan’s 2025 Spring Conferment of Decorations, which honours foreign nationals for their outstanding contributions in fostering bilateral relations.
Mullick, a distinguished 1982 batch IAS officer, has been recognised for his efforts in strengthening India-Japan ties and promoting friendship and mutual understanding between the two nations. The announcement was made on April 29, when Japan declared its foreign recipients for this year’s conferment.
The Consulate General of Japan in Mumbai expressed its admiration, noting that Mullick’s dedication and service had significantly contributed to building bridges of cooperation and goodwill between the two countries.
Over the course of his career, Mullick held several key positions in Maharashtra, including Divisional Commissioner of Amravati, Secretary of School Education, and Secretary to the Governor. He was appointed Chief Secretary of Maharashtra in February 2017, succeeding Swadheen Kshatriya, and retired in April 2018 after decades of service marked by integrity and leadership.
The Order of the Rising Sun, instituted in 1875, is among Japan’s most esteemed honours, traditionally awarded to individuals—both Japanese and foreign—who have made distinguished achievements in international relations, culture, and public service.
With this recognition, Mullick joins a distinguished list of Indian recipients who have contributed to strengthening the longstanding friendship between India and Japan.
