During his official visit to Trinidad and Tobago, Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged with the Indian community in Port of Spain, recognizing their deep-rooted connections to India and celebrating their cultural influence. He took the opportunity to present a replica of the Ram Mandir and holy water from the Sarayu River in Ayodhya, acknowledging the community’s earlier contributions to the temple’s construction.
Addressing the gathering, PM Modi stated, “I am cognizant of your profound faith in Prabhu Shri Ram… The Ram Leelas here are unique… The Ramcharitmanas highlights the beauty of Prabhu Shri Ram’s Holy City, whose glory is recognized across the globe. I am certain that all of you welcomed the return of Ram Lalla to Ayodhya after 500 years… You had provided holy water and ‘Shila’ for building the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. I have also brought something with similar reverence. It is my privilege to bring a replica of Ram Mandir and some water from the Holy Sarayu…”
Reflecting on his previous visit over two decades ago, he noted, “Twenty-five years have passed since my last visit… our friendship has flourished. Banaras, Patna, Kolkata, and Delhi are Indian cities, yet they have street names here. Navaratra, Mahashivratri, and Janmashtami are celebrated with joy, spirit, and pride. Chautal and Bhaitak gana continue to thrive here. I see the warmth of familiar faces and the curiosity of the younger generation, keen to understand and grow. Our bonds extend far beyond geography and generations…”
He praised the Indian community, saying, “They left Ganga and Yamuna behind but carried Ramayana in their heart. They left their soil but not their soul. They were not just migrants, they were messengers of a timeless civilisation. Their contribution has benefited this country culturally, economically and spiritually.”
He added, “The journey 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.” He called the Indian diaspora “our pride,” and said, “As I have often said, each one 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 ties, PM Modi said, “Prime Minister Kamala ji’s ancestors lived in Buxar, Bihar. Kamala ji herself has visited there. People consider her a ‘Bihar ki Beti’ (daughter of Bihar). Many people present here have ancestors who came from Bihar itself. Bihar’s heritage is a matter of pride not only for India but for the entire world. Be it democracy, politics, diplomacy, or higher education, centuries ago, Bihar showed the world new directions in many such fields. I am confident that even for the 21st-century world, new inspirations and opportunities will emerge from the land of Bihar.”
Welcoming PM Modi, Persad-Bissessar said, “We are graced by a leader whose visit is not just a matter of protocol but a profound honor for us and so I’m deeply privileged to welcome one of the world’s most respected, most admired visionary leader, the honorable Shri Narendra Modi ji, Prime Minister of Republic of India.”
She praised his leadership and described him as a major force in global politics. “Your presence is a great inspiration for all of us, particularly to Indo-Trinidadian community whose roots are planted in the same blessed Indian soil from which you emerge. We honor the revered cultural bonds between our people. These bonds transcend time and distance, uniting us in a shared history and shared future. PM Modi you are a transformational force who has refined governance of India and positioned your country as a prominent and dominant global power,” she added. This is 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 is taking place at the invitation of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar.
