Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing the Indian diaspora in Trinidad and Tobago on Thursday, emphasized Bihar's deep historical and cultural heritage.
He also fondly called Trinidad and Tobago's Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar a "daughter of Bihar," pointing to her ancestral origin in the Indian state.
Bissessar had previously paid a visit to her ancestral village in Bhelupur, located in the Itarhi block of Buxar district, back in 2012.
Addressing a large audience of Indian-origin citizens—many of whom trace their lineage to Bihar—PM Modi stated, “Many people present here have ancestors who came from Bihar itself. Bihar's heritage is a matter of pride not only for India but for the entire world.”
He further showered praises upon Bihar's contributions to world knowledge and innovation. "Whether it is democracy, politics, diplomacy, or higher education, centuries ago, Bihar led the world in new directions on many such issues," he stated.
In the same event, Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar extended a warm welcome to Modi with an observation on the deep meaning of his visit.
"This evening, we are blessed by the presence of somebody very near and dear to us.". We are privileged by a leader whose presence transcends protocol, it is a deep privilege for us all. I am deeply privileged to be able to join everyone here in welcoming one of the most respected and admired visionary global leaders, Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, and his distinguished delegation, on this historic State Visit to Trinidad and Tobago.
She added, “Through your visionary and forward-looking initiatives, you have modernised the Indian economy, empowered more than a billion citizens and, above all, instilled pride in the hearts of Indians across the globe.”
Emphasizing the shared heritage, she noted, “We here are the grandchildren of Mother India, separated by oceans, yet forever united by an enduring bond of love and respect.”
Prime Minister Modi will be awarded the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, the country's highest civilian award, on Friday. PM Persad-Bissessar stated, "This was more than diplomacy, it was an act of kinship, of shared humanity, of love.". And it is because of this, among many other things, that we are proud beyond measure to confer upon you, the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, our country's highest order, which will be awarded tomorrow.
As he spoke to the gathering, Modi honored notable personalities of Indian descent in Trinidad and Tobago:
"…Just glance at the immense impact you've had on this lovely nation: Kamla Persad-Bissessar, the first female Prime Minister; Her Excellency Christine Carla Kangaloo, the incumbent female President; the late Basdeo Panday, son of a peasant farmer who achieved success and became Prime Minister and a renowned international statesman and renowned mathematics expert, Rudranath Capildeo.". All of them symbolize the strength, resilience and brilliance of the Indian diaspora in Trinidad and Tobago.
He also complimented the successes of sporting and cultural icons. "Cricketing stars like Darren Ganga and trailblazers like Seedas Sadhu, whose commitment constructed the iconic Temple in the Sea are beacons of your legacy. And there are many more achievers…"
He noted the colorful observance of Indian festivities and traditions:
"Navaratri, Mahashivratri and Janmashtami are celebrated with enthusiasm, devotion, and pride here. Events such as Chautal and Baithak Gana are still active, maintaining the cultural vigor. I notice the warmth of so many familiar faces among you and I notice the curiosity and energy in the bright eyes of the younger generation, willing to learn, connect, and grow together.
Even after nearly two centuries, he said, the spirit of India remains alive in the hearts of the diaspora:
“Even after 180 years, your hearts have not forgotten the devotion to Shri Ram, His bhajans still echo deeply within you. The Ramlilas in Sande, Grande and Dow Village are said to be truly unique in their expression and spirit.”
He invoked a poetic connection to India’s sacred rivers:
"Prabhu Shri Ram declares the splendor of Ayodhya to emanate from the sacred Saryu River. To take a dip in its waters is to achieve eternal communion with Shri Ram himself. The Saryu and holy Sangam waters are nectar which revives the soul and enforces faith. This holy stream ensures that our values remain alive over time and generations…"
PM Modi also stressed the critical importance of the international Indian community:
"These numbers, with more than 35 million individuals scattered throughout the world, represent the power and strength of our diaspora. The Indian diaspora is truly a reflection of our soul. I have repeatedly mentioned that every single one of you is a Rashtra Doot, an ambassador of Indian values, culture and heritage."
Referring to India's space success, he added, "I'm sure all of you must have cheered and felt proud when India's Chandrayaan successfully landed on the Moon. The landing site has been named Shiv Shakti Point, paying homage to our heritage and our spirit. And as you might have heard recently, an Indian astronaut is on the International Space Station at present."
Emphasizing inclusive growth, he said, "The fruits of India's growth and advancement are reaching the most needy. India has proved that by empowering the poor, poverty can be vanquished. For the first time, crores of people have gained confidence that a poverty-free India is achievable…"
He discussed India's innovation-led economy:
"Close to 120 Indian startups have turned unicorns. National missions on Artificial Intelligence, semiconductors and quantum computing are becoming growth drivers with a big impact. Innovation in India is becoming a mass movement in several ways. Our Unified Payments Interface or UPI, has transformed digital payments, almost 50% of the global real-time digital transactions now take place in India…"
As a special gesture, he extended the eligibility for OCI card:
"Today, I am happy to declare that OCI cards will now be given to the sixth generation of Indians who have settled in Trinidad and Tobago.
You are not only linked to India by blood or name, you are linked by a sense of belonging. India takes care of you. India is hospitable to you. And India welcomes you."
PM Modi ended with gratitude and affection:
".It is a source of tremendous pride and happiness for me to be with all of you this evening. I thank Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar for her warm hospitality and gracious words. I have just arrived a little while ago in this lovely country of hummingbirds and my first engagement is with the Indian community here, it feels perfectly natural, because we belong to one family.". I am truly grateful for your love and affection."
Earlier in the day, PM Modi had posted on X:
"The community programme in Port of Spain was spectacular. The warmth and energy of the people made it truly unforgettable. Clearly, our cultural ties shine brightly."
"Today's Port of Spain community programme was also made extra special by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar's esteemed presence. I thank her for the warm compliments and the emphasis on robust India-Trinidad & Tobago friendship."
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal also tweeted:
"A heartwarming event by the Indian diaspora in Trinidad & Tobago.". PM Narendra Modi spoke to the Indian diaspora & Indian friends in Trinidad & Tobago today. PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar of Trinidad & Tobago extended a warm welcome to him at the function. PM conveyed his gratitude towards the diaspora who still keep alive and promote their customs, cultural heritage, festivals and tradition of their ancestors from India even after so many generations & are a strong chain of India-Trinidad and Tobago relations. To further reinforce these family ties, PM declared that the 6th generation of the Indian diaspora in Trinidad & Tobago would now receive OCI cards.
PM Modi further emphasized India's increasing global economic status:
"India is now the world's fastest-growing major economy and will soon become the third-largest. The benefits of India's growth and advancement are reaching the most vulnerable," he stated.
Congratulating Trinidad and Tobago on being the first regional adopter of UPI, he added,
"India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has transformed digital payments. Almost 50 per cent of the globe's real-time digital transactions occur in India. I compliment Trinidad & Tobago for being the first nation in the region to introduce UPI. Now money transfer will be as simple as sending a 'good morning' text message! And I assure you, it will be quicker than West Indies bowling."
He also focused on increasing India's manufacturing and defence strength:
"Our Mission Manufacturing is striving to develop India as a manufacturing hub. We have become the second largest mobile manufacturer in the world. We are exporting rail locomotives to the world. Our defence exports have grown 20 times in just ten years. We are not only manufacturing in India. We are manufacturing for the world. As we expand, we are making sure that it is of mutual advantage to the world."
Spur the diaspora to connect with their origins, he stated:
"Today's India is a land of opportunities. Whether it is business, tourism, education, or healthcare, India has a lot to offer."
Sreekantha bhai, your forefathers embarked upon a long and arduous journey, a 100 day-long journey over the seas, to arrive here – Saat Samandar Par! Now, the same one takes merely a few hours. I urge you all to come to India more frequently, personally, not virtually on social media!
"Go to your ancestors' villages. Walk on the ground they walked. Take your children along, take your neighbours. Take whomever loves chai and a good tale. We will give you all – open arms, warm hearts, and jalebi!"
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