Ramkisoon challenges critic to open debate without notes
Social media platforms are currently buzzing with a video from South America that has swelled hearts with pride across India. Guyana Minister Vikash Ramkisoon has become an overnight sensation after a clip of him speaking fluent Hindi inside the country’s National Assembly went viral.
The incident occurred during a parliamentary session when an opposition Member of Parliament questioned Ramkisoon’s understanding of his cultural roots and the Hindi language. Rather than responding in English, the official language of Guyana, the Minister chose to prove his fluency on the spot.
A Challenge Without Notes
In the video, Ramkisoon does not mince words. He confidently switches to Hindi to issue a direct challenge to his critic. Addressing the opposition member, he stated, "Respected sir, whoever thinks I cannot speak in Hindi, I will debate them in Hindi."
He further escalated the challenge, inviting the MP to choose any topic, location, or level for a debate. Ramkisoon emphasized his grasp of the language by declaring he was ready to argue "without any piece of paper" in his hand.
Reactions from the Indian Diaspora
The High Commission of India in Georgetown shared the moment on X (formerly Twitter), celebrating that Hindi had echoed in Guyana’s Parliament. They termed his response as a "befitting reply" to the opposition.
Netizens have flooded social media with praise for Guyana Minister Vikash Ramkisoon, noting how deeply the Indo-Guyanese community has preserved its heritage. One user commented that Hindus in Guyana are so rooted in their culture that they often put residents of North India to shame with their dedication. Another user pointed out the irony, stating that while some people in India fight against the language, leaders in Guyana are fighting for Hindi.
Cultural Context
Guyana shares a deep historical connection with India. The Indo-Guyanese community makes up approximately 40% of the population. These citizens are descendants of over 200,000 labourers who migrated from states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar between 1838 and 1917. While English remains the primary language, Bhojpuri and Hindi hold significant cultural value in the region.
Image Source: Oneindia Hindi
