In his recent trip to Trinidad and Tobago, Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave a symbolic present—a replica of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya—along with holy water from the Saryu river and from the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj.
These gifts were given at a dinner hosted by Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, indicative of India's historic cultural and spiritual ties with the Caribbean nation.
"During the dinner organized by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, I gave a model of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya and sacred water from the Saryu river and from the Mahakumbh organised in Prayagraj. They represent the strong cultural and spiritual ties between India and Trinidad & Tobago," PM Modi posted on X.
In another blog, the Prime Minister pointed out a significant cultural observation regarding the dinner table: "The dinner organised by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar had food placed on a Sohari leaf, which is highly religious for Trinidad & Tobago people, particularly those who have Indian ancestry. Food is usually placed upon this leaf during festivals and other special programmes here."
During his visit to Port of Spain, PM Modi also met Rana Mohip, a singer famous for his performance of 'Vaishnava Jana To' on India's Mahatma Gandhi 150th birth anniversary commemoration. The Prime Minister appreciated Mohip for his strong commitment to Indian music traditions and cultural heritage.
Earlier in the day, PM Modi explained India and Trinidad and Tobago's deeply rooted historical and cultural connections during his historic two-day tour to the nation.
A cultural connect unlike any other! Delighted to have seen a Bhojpuri Chautaal performance in Port of Spain. The bonding between Trinidad & Tobago and India, particularly regions of eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar is remarkable," he tweeted in another X post.
A colorful ceremonial welcome was given to PM Modi upon his arrival, with performers dancing to the beat of drumming rhythms and staging traditional acts that mixed Indian and native cultural influences.
This trip marks Prime Minister Modi’s second visit to the Caribbean within eight months—his previous stop being in Guyana in November 2024. The frequent engagements underline India’s deepening relations with Caribbean nations and its commitment to strengthening partnerships within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
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