New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi's historic visit to Trinidad and Tobago has created a remarkable display of cultural diplomacy, with the Indian leader calling his counterpart Kamla Persad-Bissessar "Bihar ki beti" (daughter of Bihar) while celebrating deep ancestral connections between the two nations.
PM Modi arrived in Trinidad and Tobago on July 3-4 at the invitation of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, marking the first bilateral visit by an Indian prime minister to this Caribbean island nation since 1999. The Prime Minister was welcomed with a traditional performance of Bhojpuri Chautaal upon his arrival, which he described as "cultural connect like no other."
During his address to the Indian community, PM Modi revealed the ancestral ties of Trinidad and Tobago's Prime Minister, stating, "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)." This emotional acknowledgment highlighted the deep historical connections between Bihar and the Caribbean nation.
The Prime Minister brought special gifts symbolizing India's spiritual heritage, including a Ram Mandir replica and Sarayu water to Trinidad and Tobago. During his address, he recalled the Indian diaspora's devotion to Ram Lalla, praising their gesture of sending 'shilas' and holy water for the Ayodhya temple construction.
The cultural event was attended by PM Modi along with other dignitaries and over 4,000 people, showcasing the significant Indian diaspora presence in the Caribbean nation. PM Modi met members of the Indian community and praised their contributions to the country's development during his first official visit to the Caribbean nation.
The Prime Minister emphasized the role of the Indian diaspora as cultural ambassadors, calling them "our pride" and stating, "As I have often said, each one of you is a Rashtradoot, an Ambassador of India's values, culture and heritage." He acknowledged the historical struggles faced by Indian immigrants, noting how "the circumstances your ancestors faced could have broken even the strongest of spirits. But they faced hardships with hope. They met problems with persistence."
PM Modi's engagements include bilateral discussions with President Christine Carla Kangaloo and Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar, focusing on strengthening India-Caribbean relations. The visit demonstrates India's commitment to deepening ties with the Caribbean region and recognizing the valuable contributions of the Indian diaspora.
The cultural significance of the visit was further highlighted by PM Modi's attendance at a dinner hosted by his Trinidad and Tobago counterpart, where he noted that the food served on Sohari leaf during the dinner is of great cultural significance to the people of Trinidad and Tobago.
This visit represents a milestone in India's diplomatic outreach to the Caribbean, emphasizing shared cultural heritage and the enduring bonds between India and its diaspora communities. The emotional recognition of ancestral ties and the celebration of Bhojpuri culture underscore the deep-rooted connections that continue to bind these distant lands through generations of shared history and cultural exchange.
