During his address to the Indian community in Port of Spain on 4 July, Prime Minister Narendra Modi affectionately referred to Trinidad & Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad‑Bissessar as ‘daughter of Bihar’, acknowledging her ancestral ties to the state.
He noted her 2012 visit to Bhelupur, Buxar district in Bihar, saying it had deep cultural resonance for those present.
“Many people here trace their roots to Bihar,” PM Modi said. “Bihar’s heritage is a matter of pride not only for India but for the entire world.”
He praised the region’s centuries‑old contributions to democracy, politics, diplomacy, and higher education.
In her welcoming remarks, Persad‑Bissessar described PM Modi’s visit as ‘a matter of profound privilege’, noting that his presence was ‘truly near and dear to us’.
She commended PM Modi for his transformative leadership, saying, “Through your visionary and forward‑looking initiatives, you have modernised the Indian economy, empowered over a billion citizens and, above all, instilled pride in the hearts of Indians across the globe.”
She concluded, “We here are the grandchildren of Mother India, separated by oceans yet forever united by an enduring bond of love and respect.”
PM Persad‑Bissessar announced that Prime Minister Modi would be conferred with Trinidad & Tobago’s highest honour, the Order of the Republic, as a symbol of ‘kinship, shared humanity, and love’. She affirmed that this award transcended diplomacy.
PM Modi is due to receive the accolade on Friday, marking a significant moment in India–Caribbean relations.
PM Modi extended his praise to the Indian‑origin community, referencing influential figures such as PM Persad‑Bissessar herself, President Christine Carla Kangaloo, former PM Basdeo Panday, mathematics scholar Rudranath Capildeo, singer Sundar Popo, and Darren Ganga, a celebrated cricketer.
He also acknowledged Sewdass Sadhu, who helped build the iconic Temple in the Sea, stressing how these individuals exemplify the diaspora’s enduring legacy.
“We see Navaratri, Mahashivratri and Janmashtami celebrated here with devotion and pride,” PM Modi observed. “Traditions like Chautal and Baithak Gana continue to thrive.”
Highlighting spiritual bonds, PM Modi recalled how the diaspora continues to cherish devotion to Shri Ram centuries on.
He noted the revival of Ram Leelas in Sangre Grande and Dow Village and spoke of the spiritual significance of the Sarayu River in Ayodhya.
PM Modi also underscored India’s progress in innovation, noting Chandrayaan‑3’s landing at Shiv Shakti Point, India’s UPI digital payments revolution (adopted by Trinidad & Tobago), the Gaganyaan mission, and ongoing national initiatives in AI, semiconductors and quantum computing.
PM Modi announced two key initiatives: the extension of OCI (Overseas Citizenship of India) cards to sixth-generation diaspora members and an invitation for Trinidadians of Indian origin to visit ancestral villages in India.
“Bring your children, bring your neighbours… We will welcome you all — with open arms, warm hearts, and jalebi!” he said.
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