Addressing the Indian community shortly after arriving in Trinidad and Tobago on Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the diaspora as ‘Rashtradoot’, ambassadors of India’s values and culture, and praised their enduring contributions to global heritage.
During his community address, PM Modi stated, “We deeply value the strength and support of our diaspora. With over 35 million people spread across the world, the Indian diaspora is our pride. As I have often said, each one of you is a Rashtradoot – an Ambassador of India’s values, culture and heritage.”
“This year, when we hosted the Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas in Bhubaneshwar, Trinidad and Tobago President Christine Carla Kangaloo was our Chief Guest. A few years ago, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar Ji had honoured us with her presence,” the Prime Minister recalled.
He further added, “At the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas, I announced several initiatives to honour and connect with the Girmitiya community across the world. We are mapping the past and bringing people closer to a bright future. We are actively working on creating a comprehensive database of the Girmitiya community. Documenting the villages and cities in India from which their ancestors migrated, identifying the places where they have settled, studying and preserving the legacy of the Girmitiya ancestors, and working to organise World Girmitiya Conferences regularly. This will support the deep and historic ties with our brothers and sisters in Trinidad and Tobago as well.”
“I am sure that all of you welcomed the return of Ram Lalla to Ayodhya after 500 years. You had sent Holy water and ‘Shila’ for building the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. I have also brought something here with a similar sense of devotion. It is my honour to bring a replica of Ram Mandir and some water from the Holy Saryu,” Prime Minister Modi remarked.
Further strengthening diaspora ties, the Prime Minister announced that sixth-generation members of the Indian diaspora in Trinidad and Tobago would now be eligible to receive Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) cards.
“Today, I am happy to announce that OCI cards will now given to the sixth generation of the Indian diaspora in Trinidad & Tobago. You are not just connected by blood or surname. You are connected by belonging. India looks out for you, India welcomes you, and India embraces you,” PM Modi noted.
Referring to the heritage of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, the Prime Minister noted her ancestral ties to Bihar’s Buxar region, underlining Bihar’s longstanding global contributions.
“People consider her the daughter of Bihar. Bihar’s heritage is the pride of India and the world. Bihar has shown the way to the world in various fields for centuries. New opportunities will emerge from Bihar in the 21st century also,” PM Modi asserted.
Speaking with reverence, he invoked the return of Ram Lalla to Ayodhya and recalled the community’s emotional connection with the temple project.
“We remember you had sent holy water and Shilas for building the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya,” PM Modi noted.
“I have also brought something here with a similar sense of devotion. I have also bought a replica of Ram Mandir and some holy water from the River Sarayu, he further added.
The Prime Minister remarked, “The Ram-Leelas in Sangre Grande and Dow Village are said to be truly unique. Shri Ram Charit Manas says, राम धामदा पुरी सुहावनि। लोक समस्त बिदित अति पावनि।। It means, the sacred city of Prabhu Shri Ram is so beautiful that its glory is spread across the world. I am sure you all welcomed the return of Ram Lalla to Ayodhya after 500 years with great joy.”
“Prabhu Shri Ram says that the glory of Ayodhya springs from the holy Sarayu. Whoever takes a dip in its water finds eternal union with Shri Ram himself,” he further noted.
The Prime Minister emphasised, “You all know that earlier this year, the world’s largest spiritual gathering, the Maha Kumbh, took place. I have the honour to carry water from the Maha Kumbh also with me. I request PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar ji to offer the holy waters of the Sarayu River and Maha Kumbh to the Ganga Dhara here. May these holy waters bless the people of Trinidad and Tobago.”
Reflecting on the hardships faced by early Indian migrants, the Prime Minister called their journey one of courage and cultural perseverance.
“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. Left the Ganga and Yamuna behind but carried the Ramayan in their hearts. Left their soil, but not their soul. They were not just migrants. They were messengers of a timeless civilisation. Their contributions have benefitted this country — culturally, economically and spiritually. Just look at the impact that you have all had on this beautiful nation,” he noted.
PM Modi also praised the contributions of Indo-Trinidadians across sectors—from politics to cricket.
“Kamla Persad-Bissessar Ji – as the first woman Prime Minister of this country. Her Excellency Christine Carla Kangaloo Ji, as the female President. Late Basdeo Pandey, the son of a farmer, rose to become Prime Minister and a respected global leader. Eminent math scholar Rudranath Capildeo, music icon Sundar Popo, cricketing talent Darren Ganga, and Sewdass Sadhu, whose devotion built the Temple in the Sea. The list of achievers goes on,” he added.
“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 poori’ — because you have doubled the success of this great nation!” the Prime Minister told the audience.
Drawing on cultural and emotional ties, the Prime Minister reminisced about his previous visit 25 years ago and the rise of cricket icons from the Caribbean.
“When I last visited 25 years ago, we all admired the cover drives and pull shots of Lara. Today, it is Sunil Narine and Nicholas Pooran who ignite the same excitement in the hearts of our youth. Between then and now, our friendship has grown even stronger,” he said.
He ended by highlighting cultural continuities, “Benaras, Patna, Kolkata, Delhi may be cities in India. But they are also names of streets here. Navratra, Mahashivratri, and Janmasthmi are celebrated here with joy, spirit and pride. Chowtal and Baithak Gana continue to thrive here. I can see the warmth of many familiar faces. And I see curiosity in the bright eyes of a younger generation, keen to know and grow together. Truly, our bonds go well beyond geography and generations.”
Also Read: Drums, Diaspora, And Diplomacy: PM Modi’s Trinidad Visit Celebrates Indo-Caribbean Heritage
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