The PM pointed out that the ancestors of his Trinidad & Tobago counterpart, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar were from the eastern Indian state
Port of Spain: At a gathering of the Indian diaspora in Trinidad and Tobago's capital, Port of Spain, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India would be among the top three economies of the world as he outlined the country's rapid development in the last decade. Lauding the Indian diaspora for promoting good relations between India and Trinidad and Tobago, the PM announced that the Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cards will now be issued to the sixth generation of the people of Indian origin in the country.
Later Modi was conferred with The Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago' — the country's highest civilian honour — by the country’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. “I accept it on behalf of 140 crore Indians,” Modi said.
Modi was bestowed the award in recognition of his global leadership, his deep engagement with the Indian diaspora, and his humanitarian efforts during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Addressing an event in Trinidad and Tobago in the second leg of his five-nation tour, the Prime Minister highlighted various aspects of India’s growth story. He outlined the country's rapid development and transformation in the fields of infrastructure, digital technologies, manufacturing, green pathways, space, innovation and start-ups.
The Prime Minister said that in the last decade India has made significant strides in promoting inclusive growth, with over 250 million people lifted out of extreme poverty.
Greeting a gathering of roughly 4,000 people at an event in Port of Spain with “Namaskar, Seeta Ram, Jai Shri Ram”, to which the crowd responded with “Jai Shri Ram”, Modi praised the diaspora for their resilience, cultural richness and immense contribution to Trinidad and Tobago. He appreciated the fact the diaspora continues to preserve and nurture its Indian cultural roots and traditions.
During his address, the Prime Minister announced the extension of the OCI cards to the sixth generation of the people of Indian origin in Trinidad and Tobago and noted that it will further strengthen the bonds. The announcement was greeted with a loud applause by the Indian diaspora.
The Prime Minister also added that the Indian government will be supporting several initiatives to nurture the Girmitiya legacy — which refers to people of Indian origin who were recruited to work on plantations in British colonies like the Caribbean nations and Fiji, among others.
The event was attended by PM of Trinidad and Tobago Kamla Persad-Bissessar, members of her Cabinet, members of Parliament and several other dignitaries. At the event, Modi was given a colourful traditional Indo-Trinidadian welcome. Modi expressed his heartfelt gratitude to her and the people of T&T for the honour.
Modi thanked Persad-Bissessar for her warmth and contribution to strengthening the vibrant and special ties between the two countries. He said people in India consider Ms Persad-Bissessar as the daughter of Bihar due to her ancestral linkage with the Buxar in the state.
“Like Kamla Ji, there are many people here whose roots lie in Bihar. The heritage of Bihar is a matter of pride for all of us,” Modi added.
The Prime Minister underlined that his historic visit to Trinidad and Tobago at a time when the nation is celebrating 180 years of the first arrival of Indian immigrants on its shores made it even more special.
“I know the story of the Indian community in Trinidad and Tobago is about courage. The circumstances your ancestors faced could have broken even the strongest of spirits. But they faced hardships with hope. They met problems with persistence. They left the Ganga and Yamuna behind but carried the Ramayan in their hearts. They left their soil, but not their soul. They were not just migrants. They were messengers of a timeless civilisation," Modi said.
Lauding the Indian community in the Caribbean nations and their ancestors, the PM said, "Their contributions have benefitted this country culturally, economically and spiritually. Just look at the impact that you have all had on this beautiful nation. You, the children of Girmitiyas, are not defined by struggle anymore. You are defined by your success, your service, and your values. Honestly, there must be something magical in the doubles and dal puri — because you have doubled the success of this great nation!”
Modi presented a replica of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya to Persad-Bissessar during a dinner hosted in his honour. He also offered holy water from the Saryu River and from the Mahakumbh held in Prayagraj.
The Prime Minister was served food on a sohari leaf, which he described as of great cultural significance, during the dinner hosted by his Trinidad and Tobago counterpart. Food is often served on this leaf during festivals and other special programmes, Modi added.
