During his visit to Trinidad and Tobago, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extolled India’s remarkable achievements in space exploration and the strong ties between India and its diaspora.
Addressing the Indian community in Port of Spain on 4 July, PM Modi highlighted the historic landing of the Chandrayaan-3 lunar probe and its landing site, which India has named the ‘Shiv Shakti point’.
“An Indian astronaut is currently aboard the International Space Station,” PM Modi said, underscoring the country’s progress towards its manned space mission, ‘Gaganyaan’.
He shared his vision of an Indian setting foot on the Moon soon and India establishing its own space station. “For New India, even the sky is not the limit,” he added, inspiring pride among listeners.
PM Modi also pointed out India’s intention to share the ‘fruit of its achievements with the rest of the world’, reflecting the inclusive spirit of the country’s space ambitions.
Recognising the Indian community in Trinidad and Tobago as ‘Rashtradoot’—Ambassadors of India’s values and culture—PM Modi emphasised the vital role of the diaspora.
With over 35 million people worldwide, he called the Indian diaspora a ‘pride’ of India and praised their cultural and economic contributions.
He recalled the recent Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas in Bhubaneshwar, where Trinidad and Tobago’s President Christine Carla Kangaloo was the Chief Guest, and Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar had previously honoured the event.
The Prime Minister shared India’s efforts to honour the Girmitiya community’s legacy by mapping migration patterns, preserving cultural heritage, and planning World Girmitiya Conferences.
These initiatives aim to deepen historic ties with communities like those in Trinidad and Tobago.
PM Modi warmly welcomed the return of Ram Lalla to Ayodhya after 500 years, recalling how the Indian diaspora sent holy water and stones (‘Shilas’) for the Ram Mandir’s construction.
He brought with him a replica of the Ram Mandir and water from the sacred Sarayu River, symbolising shared devotion.
He praised local Ram-Leelas in Sangre Grande and Dow Village, quoting from the Shri Ram Charit Manas to celebrate Ayodhya’s global spiritual significance.
PM Modi requested the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago to ceremonially offer the holy waters from Sarayu and the Maha Kumbh—whose water he also carried—to bless the nation.
The government announced that it will now grant Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) cards up to the sixth generation of the Indian diaspora in Trinidad and Tobago.
PM Modi emphasised that this bond transcends bloodlines, reflecting belonging and mutual embrace.
He highlighted the ancestral connection of PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar to Bihar’s Buxar region, praising Bihar’s historic contributions and future potential.
PM Modi honoured notable personalities of Indian descent in Trinidad and Tobago, from political leaders like Kamla Persad-Bissessar and Basdeo Pandey to cultural icons and sports stars such as Sundar Popo and Darren Ganga.
He acknowledged the resilience of the Girmitiya descendants who carried Indian culture and values across generations.
PM Modi said, “Your success, service, and values define you,” and highlighted how people continue to celebrate cultural festivals such as Navratri, Mahashivratri, and Janmashtami.
Reflecting on his previous visit 25 years ago, PM Modi recalled admiration for cricketer Brian Lara and celebrated the emergence of new sporting talents like Sunil Narine and Nicholas Pooran.
He observed that Indian cities’ names have become part of Trinidad’s street names, and Indian cultural traditions continue to thrive robustly.
Concluding his address, PM Modi expressed optimism about the younger generation’s curiosity and eagerness to grow together, reaffirming that the bonds between India and Trinidad and Tobago go far beyond geography and generations.
This visit and address by PM Modi symbolise India’s pride in its space programme and the strengthening of cultural, spiritual, and economic connections with its global diaspora, particularly the vibrant Indian community in Trinidad and Tobago.
Also Read: Indian Diaspora In Trinidad Celebrates Ram Lalla’s Return With Deep Devotion, Says PM Modi
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