PM Modi addresses Indian community in Trinidad. Discusses cricket from Lara to Pooran. Talks about Ram Temple, Bihar's heritage, and India's space missions.
PM Modi: Addressing the Indian community in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted several key aspects related to sports, culture, heritage, and India's technological advancements. He reminisced about cricketer Brian Lara and praised current players like Sunil Narine and Nicholas Pooran. Furthermore, he spoke about the historical heritage of Bihar, the resilient journey of the Indian community, and India's space mission plans.
PM Modi meets Indian community in Trinidad and Tobago
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a two-day visit to Trinidad and Tobago. During his visit, he participated in a community event held in Port of Spain. Addressing people of Indian origin, he stated that the journey of the Indian community in Trinidad and Tobago is filled with struggle, courage, and culture.
PM Modi said that the circumstances in which people of Indian origin started their lives here were very difficult. He mentioned that their ancestors left their land but not their soul and culture. They were not merely migrants but bearers of Indian civilization.
Conversation starts with cricket, reaches culture
In his address, Prime Minister Modi began by mentioning cricket, saying that when he visited Trinidad 25 years ago, there was much discussion about Brian Lara's cover drives and classical shots. We were all his fans. Today, the same enthusiasm and excitement exists among the youth for Sunil Narine and Nicholas Pooran. This clearly shows that there is a deep connection between India and Trinidad through sports as well.
The PM added that the friendship between the two countries has strengthened over time. This relationship is no longer limited to language or identity, but is also deeply rooted in emotions and culture.
Took the Ramayana, did not forget traditions
Recalling the arduous journey of the Indian community, PM Modi said that they could not take the Ganges and Yamuna with them, but they did bring the Ramayana to their hearts. They left the soil but did not abandon self-respect and tradition. He said that it is this sense of community that has kept India and its people together.
Faith and offerings for the Ram Temple
In his address, Prime Minister Modi mentioned that when the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, India, began, the people of Trinidad and Tobago expressed their faith by sending holy water and stones. He revealed that he has also brought a replica of the Ayodhya temple and the holy water of the Saryu river with the same sentiment.
Pride in Bihar's heritage
Prime Minister Modi particularly highlighted the historical and cultural heritage of Bihar in his address. He mentioned that the ancestors of Trinidad and Tobago's Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar were from the Buxar district of Bihar. She herself has visited Bihar. People consider her the daughter of Bihar.
He said that the ancestors of many people of Indian origin present here also came from Bihar. The traditions, knowledge, and culture of Bihar are a heritage not only of India but also of the world. He said that Bihar has given a new direction to the world in fields like democracy, politics, diplomacy, and higher education. I am confident that new inspirations and opportunities will emerge from the land of Bihar for the 21st century as well.
India's space journey: Now stepping on the moon
Prime Minister Modi, while mentioning India's achievements in the field of science and technology, said that the day is not far when an Indian will step on the moon and India will have its own space station. He stated that now, we are not just counting the stars, but are also trying to reach them through efforts like the Aditya mission.
Sixth generation to receive OCI cards
During his speech, PM Modi made a significant announcement that the sixth generation of Indian migrants in Trinidad and Tobago will now also be granted OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) cards. He said that the connection of people of Indian origin with India is not limited to blood or surnames. This connection is of affection and belonging.
