During his visit to Trinidad and Tobago, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a heartfelt tribute to Kamla Persad-Bissessar, the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, by referring to her as “Bihar’s daughter.” This powerful statement is rooted in the fact that her ancestors hail from Bihar’s Buxar, and PM Modi emphasized the deep cultural and historical connection between India and the Caribbean nation, especially in the context of the Indian-origin community there.

Speaking at a community event held at the National Cycling Velodrome in Couva, PM Modi took the opportunity to highlight the historical ties between India and Trinidad and Tobago. He elaborated on how India, particularly Bihar, feels a sense of belonging to Kamla Persad-Bissessar, and how the roots of her ancestors from Buxar, Bihar create an enduring bond.

The Heritage of Bihar: A Source of Pride for India and the World

PM Modi made it clear that Bihar’s heritage is not just a point of pride for India but for the entire world. The state of Bihar has a rich cultural history and has shown the world the way forward in various fields over the centuries. He explained that the Indian state of Bihar, with its profound historical significance, continues to inspire and contribute to global knowledge and progress.

“It is not just a matter of blood or surname, but a matter of belonging. India embraces you, and we call you our own,” said PM Modi while addressing the crowd. He also mentioned that Kamla Persad-Bissessar had visited her ancestral village in Buxar, and during that visit, the people of Buxar greeted her warmly, considering her a daughter of the soil. This connection is not just about lineage but also about the shared values, struggles, and triumphs of their ancestors.

This tribute by PM Modi emphasizes the unique bond between India and the Indian-origin communities in various countries, particularly in Trinidad and Tobago, where the Girmitiya descendants have played an integral role in shaping the nation’s history.

Bihar’s Global Influence: A Glimpse of Opportunities for the 21st Century

PM Modi took this opportunity to underline the significant role Bihar will continue to play in shaping the future, not just in India but globally. He stated, “New opportunities will emerge from Bihar in the 21st century,” highlighting the state’s evolving role in the global economic and cultural arena. The government’s efforts to bolster education, infrastructure, and economic growth in Bihar are expected to offer new avenues for the future.

Bihar has long been a center of learning, with historical figures like Aryabhata, Chanakya, and Buddha associated with its rich past. Today, the state continues to grow and contribute to India’s development, and PM Modi’s speech aimed at reinforcing that message.

The Indian Diaspora’s Contribution to Trinidad and Tobago

In his address, PM Modi also acknowledged the Indian-origin community’s significant contribution to the development of Trinidad and Tobago. He noted that the cultural, economic, and spiritual contributions of the Indian diaspora had significantly enriched the Caribbean nation.

The Girmitiya descendants, who were indentured laborers brought to work on plantations by the British, have made immense strides since their arrival. Today, their descendants, including political leaders like Kamla Persad-Bissessar and Christine Carla Kangaloo, have reshaped the identity of Trinidad and Tobago. PM Modi remarked that these individuals are no longer defined by their struggles but by their success, service, and values, which are rooted in the rich cultural heritage of India.

Introducing the OCI Cards for the Sixth Generation

A major announcement made by PM Modi during his speech was the introduction of the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards for the sixth generation of Indian-origin citizens in Trinidad and Tobago. This new development will allow the descendants of the Indian diaspora, up to the sixth generation, to live and work in India without restrictions.

PM Modi expressed his happiness in announcing that the Indian government will extend this opportunity to a wider segment of the Indian-origin community in Trinidad and Tobago. The move aims to further deepen the connection between India and the Indian diaspora, allowing them to maintain strong ties to their ancestral land.

“I encourage all of you to visit India not just through social media but in person. Visit the villages of your ancestors. Walk the soil they walked on. Bring your children, neighbors, and anyone who enjoys a good story. We will welcome all of you with open arms, warm hearts, and Jalebi,” PM Modi said, encouraging the diaspora to reconnect with India.

A Call for Reconnection with Ancestral Roots

The theme of reconnecting with ancestral roots was central to PM Modi’s message to the Indian diaspora. He urged the community members to visit the villages of their ancestors, fostering a sense of pride and connection to their heritage. The journey of the Indian community in Trinidad and Tobago, according to PM Modi, is a story of courage and perseverance.

“Your ancestors faced hardships that could have broken the strongest of spirits, but they met those challenges with hope and persistence,” PM Modi remarked, highlighting the resilience of the Indian-origin community in Trinidad and Tobago. He further emphasized that despite leaving behind the Ganga and Yamuna, the Ramayana remained in their hearts, underscoring the deep cultural and spiritual connection with India.

Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s Response

In response to PM Modi’s visit, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, warmly welcomed him, acknowledging the importance of the visit. She expressed her deep privilege in welcoming PM Modi, calling him a transformational leader who has elevated India’s global standing.

“You are a transformational force who has refined the governance of India and positioned your country as a prominent and dominant global power,” Persad-Bissessar said, praising PM Modi for his visionary leadership and the global influence India has gained under his leadership.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Trinidad and Tobago and his tribute to Kamla Persad-Bissessar as “Bihar’s daughter” further strengthens the India-Trinidad and Tobago ties. The announcement of OCI cards for the sixth generation of the Indian diaspora is another major step in enhancing the cultural, economic, and spiritual bond between India and the Caribbean nation.

Through this visit, PM Modi not only honored the contributions of the Indian-origin community in Trinidad and Tobago but also called for a deeper reconnection with their ancestral homeland. The enduring relationship between India and its diaspora is a testament to the shared heritage, values, and mutual respect that will continue to flourish in the years to come.