Who Is PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar And Why Did PM Modi Call Her 'Bihar Ki Beti?
Trinidad and Tobago's Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar on Thursday praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi as one of the world's most admired and visionary leaders
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday addressed the Indian diaspora in Trinidad and Tobago, emphasising Bihar's enduring cultural legacy and the strength of the global Indian community. In a special mention, he referred to the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, as a 'daughter of Bihar," acknowledging her ancestral roots in the Indian state.
Who Is Kamla?
Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who is presently the PM of Trinidad and Tobago, is also the first female Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago from 2010 to 2015, traces her ancestral roots to Bihar. She is widely respected for her political leadership.
Modi's remarks come during a broader effort to strengthen cultural and diaspora ties between India and nations with large Indian-origin populations.
'Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar's ancestors lived in Buxar, Bihar. Kamala ji herself has visited there. People consider her a daughter of Bihar," PM Modi said during his address.
PM's Gift To PM Kamla
During the dinner hosted by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, PM gifted a replica of the Ram Mandir in Ajodhya, along with sacred water from the Saryu River and the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj. These offerings represent the profound cultural and spiritual connection between India and Trinidad & Tobago.
Trinidad & Tobago Prime Minister Hails PM Modi
Trinidad and Tobago's Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar on Thursday praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi as one of the world's most admired and visionary leaders, saying it was a privilege for her country to host him. In a gesture of deep respect, she bowed to him and described his visit as more than a diplomatic formality, calling it a moment of great honour for the people of Trinidad and Tobago.
PM Modi Speaks To Indian Diaspora
Addressing a large gathering of people of Indian origin, many with ancestral roots in Bihar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised that Bihar's rich heritage is a source of pride not just for India, but for the entire world. He also underscored the state's historical contributions to global thought and progress, noting that Bihar had led the way in areas like democracy, politics, diplomacy, and higher education centuries ago.
Dinner Hosted For PM Modi
During the dinner in Port of Spain, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Rana Mohip, the artist who had performed the bhajan 'Vaishnava Jana To' during the commemoration of Mahatma Gandhi's 150th birth anniversary. The Prime Minister appreciated Mohip's deep passion for Indian music and culture.
PM Meets Singer Who Performed 'Vaishnava Jana To' At Gandhi Jayanti Event
During the dinner in Port of Spain, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Rana Mohip, the artist who had performed the bhajan 'Vaishnava Jana To' during the commemoration of Mahatma Gandhi's 150th birth anniversary.
top videos
View all
The Prime Minister appreciated Mohip's deep passion for Indian music and culture.
About the Author
Abhro Banerjee
Covering day-to-day national and international news for the last nine years across print and digital. Associated with News18.com as Chief Sub-Editor since 2022, covering innumerable big and small events, includ...Read More
Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from geopolitics to diplomacy and global trends. Stay informed with the latest world news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated!
Location :
New Delhi, India, India
First Published:
July 04, 2025, 10:11 IST
News world Who Is PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar And Why Did PM Modi Call Her 'Bihar Ki Beti? | In Pics
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
21 minutes ago
- Time of India
LatAm pivot
Times of India's Edit Page team comprises senior journalists with wide-ranging interests who debate and opine on the news and issues of the day. India must shed its protectionist mindset and trade more with resource-rich South America That Modi's ongoing five-nation tour includes Argentina and Brazil isn't a trivia. These two key South American nations can be important fulcrums of a potential Indian pivot to the continent. While India-South America trade has been steadily growing, it's far below potential. This has much to do with our unambitious approach to the region. True, India has a preferential trade agreement (PTA) with MERCOSUR bloc that includes Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and Bolivia. The idea was that the PTA would be gradually expanded and upgraded to a free trade agreement (FTA). However, progress has been really slow and India's exports to Latin America in FY2025 stood at just $15.17bn – less than 2% of the region's total imports. But trade is back on the agenda during Modi's visits, and rightly so. While one still hopes that an India-US trade deal can be clinched, New Delhi must be prepared for all eventualities. And with Trump keen on using tariffs as a strategic weapon to achieve geopolitical goals – take the Lindsey Graham-proposed bill to hit countries buying Russian oil with 500% tariff – India must diversify its trade relations. South America is a natural resources powerhouse. With vast deposits of oil, gas, copper, lithium, rare earths etc it can power India's industrial growth, advance critical sectors like EV batteries, and bolster food security. The key for GOI would be to expand its diplomatic bandwidth and take a courageous approach to trade. We must cast away the protectionist mindset and be ready to compete. That's the only way beneficial FTAs can be worked out. Vietnam, which recently worked out a trade deal with US, has been following precisely this strategy, having inked 20 FTAs, with 16 already implemented. China already has a huge presence in Latin America. So, the latter is looking for balance. This is the perfect time for India to step up. Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email This piece appeared as an editorial opinion in the print edition of The Times of India.
Mint
21 minutes ago
- Mint
Is world order in the middle of a tectonic shift?
People in the US, startled by the rise of Zohran Mamdani as a Democrat candidate for New York's mayorship, are now witness to an even bigger and spicier political potboiler: Elon Musk's announcement last weekend of the formation of 'America Party", a new political outfit. Till the other day Musk was considered a staunch ally of US president Donald Trump. He was made the head of the now infamous Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). He ruthlessly chucked out many from their jobs citing the need to pare government expenses. His axe also fell on a host of schemes and departments that were considered foundations of the US democracy. Musk wanted the government to be run like a corporate entity. But then, he had run-ins with vice president J. D. Vance and other influential people, which ended in his unceremonious removal from DOGE. Since then, Trump and Musk have been publicly threatening each other. Musk alleged Trump was named in the Epstein sex case files in a post on X, the short-messaging platform he owns. Later, he deleted the post, but not before an enraged Trump got back at his former ally by threatening to deport him. Also read | A new 'terror pot' that may be kept boiling for now Being a beneficiary of government subsidies and doles, Musk knows his ambitions can be fulfilled only by being on the right side of the government. This is why he has launched his political party. Musk feels US citizens are tired of the system and yearn for a new dawn. But the question is, will he succeed? Especially at a time when 'Democrat Socialist" Mamdani is gaining ground in New York. Mamdani has garnered political support at a pace akin to which Musk amassed wealth. He has won the primaries for the New York mayoral elections and will create history if he wins in November. He would be the first Muslim mayor of New York. Mamdani, son of celebrated Indian film-maker Mira Nair, became a US citizen in 2018 and married a Syrian Muslim. His father is a Gujarati left-wing intellectual based in Uganda. Mamdani's views and principles set him apart from his peers. At times, he becomes so aggressive that even his colleagues fear his approach may be extreme. But Mamdani isn't bothered. Also read | Testimony to the enduring spirit of Indian democracy During his campaign, Mamdani connected with New York's large immigrant population. He promised free bus rides, and told people he would freeze metro fares the moment he won elections. He promised construction of low-cost housing blocks, fixing rents for residential properties, and the creation of free childcare centres throughout the city. He wants to rein in the state-sponsored grocery shop owners' cartel. According to estimates, the average New Yorker's expenditure on groceries and essential items has risen by 50% over the past decade to now stand at 10–12% of their total income. Mamdani also proposes to levy higher taxes on the rich. India has seen this brand of politics for decades, but, we are also the ones who have exemplified limitations to such politics. In contrast to India, communist countries such as China and Vietnam have created economic models which give equal opportunity to work with state-sponsored enterprises or pursue private entrepreneurship. Is it due to their success that 70% of the people polled last year in the US showed them gravitating towards the communist model? Also read | Firm and focused leadership keeps India on course It is in such a situation that a triangular tussle between Musk, Mamdani and the established political order promises to create history. People who understand the US system know that the country became great as people from varied backgrounds and ideologies had the same opportunity to live and thrive in harmony. With the rise of the right wing, it seemed that this space was shrinking. But Mamdani's rise and civil society's rear-guard actions have once again brought the US to a point where it's still considered a democratic ideal despite being an imperial power. Today, China and the Global South are challenging US domination. The world order set by the US and the western European nations at the end of World War II has started withering. This is the reason scholars are talking of a tectonic shift in the systems laid down by the West-backed capitalism and US imperialism. Increasing geopolitical constraints are heightening such apprehensions. Have we unwittingly reached a crossroads that's leading to a systemic change? Shashi Shekhar is editor-in-chief, Hindustan. Views are personal.
India Gazette
an hour ago
- India Gazette
Condemning terrorism should be our 'principle', not just 'convenience': PM Modi at BRICS summit
Rio de Janeiro [Brazil], July 6 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during the 17th BRICS Summit on Sunday, asserted that condemning terrorism must be a 'principle' rather than a matter of 'convenience', describing it as the 'most serious challenge' for humanity in the current global scenario. Addressing the BRICS Session on Peace and Security, the Prime Minister highlighted the recent terror attack in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22 as a stark reminder of terrorism's threat to global peace and called for unwavering international solidarity. He stated that the attack was a blow to the 'soul, identity, and dignity' of India, acknowledging the international support that the nation received in solidarity. 'Terrorism has become the most serious challenge for humanity today. Recently India faced an inhuman and cowardly terrorist attack. On 22 April, the terrorist attack in Pahalgam was a direct attack on the soul, identity, and dignity of India. This attack was a blow not only to India but to the entire humanity. In this hour of grief, I express my heartfelt gratitude to the friendly countries who stood with us, who expressed support and condolences,' the PM stated. 'Condemning terrorism should be our 'principle', not just a 'convenience'. If we first see in which country the attack took place and against whom, then it would be a betrayal against humanity,' he added. He further emphasised the need for decisive action, calling for sanctions against such acts. He further noted that words and actions regarding terrorism should be the same. 'There should be no hesitation in imposing sanctions against terrorists. The victims and supporters of terrorism cannot be weighed on the same scale. For personal or political gain, giving silent consent to terrorism and supporting terror or terrorists should not be acceptable under any circumstances. There should be no difference between words and actions regarding terrorism. If we cannot do this, then the question naturally arises: are we serious about the fight against terrorism or not?' he noted. The Prime Minister's address also situated the fight against terrorism within a broader global context, noting the pervasive threats from West Asia to Europe and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. 'From West Asia to Europe, today the world is surrounded by disputes and tensions. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is a cause of great concern. India firmly believes that no matter how difficult the circumstances are, the path of peace is the only option for the welfare of humanity,' he said while reaffirming India's commitment to peace rooted in its cultural heritage and positioning the country as a proponent of peaceful resolution. 'India is the land of Lord Buddha and Mahatma Gandhi. There is no place for war and violence for us. India supports every effort that takes the world away from division and conflict and leads it towards dialogue, cooperation, and coordination and increases solidarity and trust,' he added. PM Modi also highlighted the role of BRICS in fostering global peace and security, stating, 'Global peace and security is not just an ideal; it is the foundation of our common interests and future. The development of humanity is possible only in a peaceful and secure environment. BRICS has a very important role in fulfilling this objective. We have to unite and make collective efforts to face our common challenges. We have to move forward together.' The Prime Minister concluded with an invitation to BRICS leaders to visit India for the next summit under India's chairmanship in 2026, further underscoring the alliance's potential to drive global stability. The summit, hosted by Brazil from July 7 to July 9, saw leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and new members Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the UAE, and Indonesia coming together during the event. (ANI)
