During his inaugural official visit to Trinidad and Tobago, Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged with the Indian community in Port of Spain. He highlighted their ancestral connections to India, lauded their cultural contributions, and expressed his honor in bringing a replica of the Ram Mandir and sacred water from the Sarayu River in Ayodhya. This gesture acknowledged the community’s earlier contribution of ‘shilas’ and holy water for the temple’s construction.
Addressing the gathering, PM Modi stated, “I recognize your deep faith in Prabhu Shri Ram… Ram Leelas here are exceptional… The Ramcharitmanas describes the beauty of Prabhu Shri Ram’s Holy City, whose glory is celebrated worldwide. I am certain that you all rejoiced in the return of Ram Lalla to Ayodhya after 500 years… You had sent holy water and ‘Shila’ for the construction of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. I have also brought something with a similar sense of reverence. It is my privilege to present a replica of the Ram Mandir and water from the Holy Sarayu…”
He also reminisced about his visit to Trinidad and Tobago over two decades prior. “During my last visit 25 years… since then, our friendship has only strengthened. Banaras, Patna, Kolkata, and Delhi may be cities in India, but streets here bear their names. Navaratra, Mahashivratri, and Janmashtami are celebrated here with great joy, spirit, and pride. Chautal and Bhaitak gana continue to thrive. I see the warmth of familiar faces. I see curiosity in the bright eyes of the young generation, eager to learn and grow together. Our bonds go far beyond geography and generations…”
Applauding the Indian community in Trinidad and Tobago, he said, “They left the Ganga and Yamuna behind but carried the Ramayana in their hearts. They left their soil but not their soul. They were not merely migrants; they were ambassadors of a timeless civilization. Their contribution has enriched this country culturally, economically, and spiritually.”
He added, “The journey of the Indian community in Trinidad and Tobago is a story of courage. The circumstances your ancestors faced could have broken even the most resilient spirits. Yet, they faced adversity with hope. They tackled challenges with persistence.” Recognizing the Indian diaspora as “our pride,” PM Modi declared, “As I have frequently mentioned, each of you is a Rashtradoot, an Ambassador of India’s values, culture, and heritage.”
Referring to Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s ancestral connections, PM Modi noted, “Prime Minister Kamala ji’s ancestors resided in Buxar, Bihar. Kamala ji herself has visited there. People regard her as ‘Bihar ki Beti’ (daughter of Bihar). Many individuals present here have ancestors from Bihar itself. Bihar’s heritage is a source of pride not only for India but for the entire world. Centuries ago, Bihar guided the world in democracy, politics, diplomacy, and higher education. I am confident that even in the 21st century, Bihar will continue to inspire and provide new opportunities.”
Welcoming PM Modi, Persad-Bissessar stated, “We are honored by a leader whose visit is not merely a matter of protocol, but a profound honor for us. Therefore, I am deeply privileged to welcome one of the world’s most respected, most admired visionary leaders, the honorable Shri Narendra Modi ji, Prime Minister of the Republic of India.”
She commended his leadership and described him as a significant figure in global politics. “Your presence is a great inspiration for all of us, especially the Indo-Trinidadian community whose roots are planted in the same blessed Indian soil from which you originate. We celebrate the esteemed cultural bonds between our people. These bonds endure through time and distance, uniting us in a shared history and shared future. PM Modi, you are a transformative force who has refined the governance of India and positioned your country as a prominent and dominant global power,” she added. This marks PM Modi’s first visit to Trinidad and Tobago as Prime Minister and the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the Caribbean nation since 1999. The visit occurred at the invitation of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar.
