Latest news with #Indo-Trinidadian
United News of India
11 hours ago
- Politics
- United News of India
PM Modi to be conferred Trinidad &Tobago's highest honour
Port of Spain/New Delhi, July 4 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi will today receive the 'Order of Trinidad and Tobago', the highest honor of the country on the second day of his visit to the Caribbean nation. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar had yesterday announced that Trinidad and Tobago would confer the award on the visiting Indian Prime Minister. The Prime Minister expressed his heartfelt gratitude to her and the people of Trinidad and Tobago for this honor. This would be Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 25th international honour. Modi, who is in Trinidad and Tobago as part of his five-nation tour, will hold talks with the top leadership of Trinidad and Tobago to further strengthen bilateral relations. Earlier, PM Modi was received by his counterpart Persad-Bissessar at Piarco International Airport, where he was accorded a ceremonial welcome and a guard of honour. While addressing an Indian community event in Trinidad and Tobago, Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar hailed the relationship between the two nations and said, "These are ties of ancestry, of kinship, of sacrifice, and of love. We are bound by history, by shared struggle, and we're bound by common dreams. Through your benevolence, you brought hope and calm where there was fear. This was more than diplomacy. This was an act of kinship, shared humanity, and love. This is one of the many reasons we are deeply proud to bestow upon you The Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, our nation's highest honor, to be conferred tomorrow..." The Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago praised PM Modi's leadership, calling him a "transformational force who has refined the governance of India." She stated that PM Modi has modernized India's economy through his visionary and futuristic initiatives. While addressing the Indian community event in Trinidad and Tobago, Persad-Bissessar said, "What inspires this gathering most is your enduring commitment to the Indian diaspora, promoting culture, history, and the spirit of our shared journey. The ties that bind India and Trinidad and Tobago are not merely diplomatic in nature." Addressing the community event, PM Persad-Bissessar said, "Namaste, Sita-Ram, and good evening. This evening, we are graced by the presence of someone near and dear to us. We are graced by a leader whose visit is not just a matter of protocol but a profound honor for us. So, I am deeply privileged to join everyone here in welcoming one of the world's most respected and admired visionary leaders, the Honourable Shri Narendra Modiji, Prime Minister of the Republic of India, and his delegation on this very historic state visit to Trinidad and Tobago. Prime Minister Modi, your presence is a great inspiration to all of us, particularly to the Indo-Trinidadian community, whose roots are planted in the same blessed Indian soil from which you emerged." Recalling Modi's earlier visit to Trinidad and Tobago in 2002, when he was not Prime Minister of India, she stated that he returned to Trinidad and Tobago as a "distinguished and celebrated leader" whose influence transcends borders. Mentioning the Fatel Razack, the first ship that carried Indians to Trinidad in 1845, she said, "On your first visit to our country, you were not then Prime Minister. But as part of a cultural ambassador, as part of the World Hindu Conference in 2002. Today, sir, you return as the head of a government of more than 1.4 billion people. You return as a distinguished and celebrated leader whose influence transcends boundaries. We bow to you, sir." The visit is of particular significance as it represents PM Modi's first official trip to the Caribbean nation as India's Prime Minister, and is also the first bilateral Prime Ministerial-level visit from India to Trinidad and Tobago since 1999. Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the last Prime Minister to have visited the country in 1999. UNI AAB RKM
United News of India
13 hours ago
- Politics
- United News of India
PM Modi welcomed with Bhojpuri Chautaal in Trinidad & Tobago
Port of Spain/New Delhi, July 4 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi was greeted with exceptional warmth by the Indian diaspora and given a colorful traditional Indo-Trinidadian welcome on his arrival here. PM Modi reached Trinidad and Tobago late on Thursday marking the start of the second leg of his five-nation tour. Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a grand welcome as the Indian diaspora presented a folk programme upon his arrival, marking the second leg of his five-nation tour. He also met members of the Indian community and praised their contributions to the country's development during his first official visit to Trinidad and Tobago. As the Prime Minister, who is on a two-day visit to Trinidad and Tobago, arrived at Piarco International Airport in Port of Spain, he was greeted with a traditional performance of Bhojpuri Chautaal, an expressive folk music form from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The performance highlighted the cultural ties between the Caribbean nation and India, especially through the Indian diaspora that has kept its cultural roots alive. PM Modi shared his appreciation for the performance by posting on X, "A cultural connection like no other! Very happy to have witnessed a Bhojpuri Chautaal performance in Port of Spain. The connection between Trinidad & Tobago and India, especially parts of eastern UP and Bihar, is noteworthy." He further wrote, "Bhojpuri Chautaal echoes in Trinidad & Tobago!". Applauding the contribution of the Indian community to the country's development, PM Modi highlighted that the diaspora had not only achieved success in various fields but also remained deeply connected to Indian culture. This visit is particularly significant, as it marks Modi's first official trip to the Caribbean nation since becoming Prime Minister. It is also the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Trinidad and Tobago since 1999. In a special gesture symbolizing the close ties between the two countries, PM Modi was warmly received by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and several members of her Cabinet at the airport. He was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour and welcomed with more cultural performances. PM Modi also addressed a large gathering of the Indian Diaspora in Trinidad and Tobago. The event was attended by the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Members of her Cabinet, Members of Parliament and several other dignitaries. At the event, Prime Minister was greeted with exceptional warmth by the diaspora and given a colorful traditional Indo-Trinidadian welcome. In his statement, PM Modi expressed gratitude saying, "Landed in Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago. I thank Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, distinguished members of the Cabinet, and MPs for the warm welcome at the airport." PM Modi also spoke about the deep historical ties between the two nations, noting, "Trinidad and Tobago's Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar's ancestors hailed from Buxar, Bihar. Kamala ji herself has visited the village. People consider her a daughter of Bihar." The Prime Minister also shared a symbolic moment when he spoke of bringing water from this year's Mahakumbh, the world's largest spiritual gathering, to offer to the Ganga River in Trinidad. UNI AAB RKM
India Gazette
14 hours ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
PM Modi attends dinner hosted by Trinidad and Tobago counterpart Kamla Persad-Bissessar
Port of Spain [Trinidad and Tobago], July 4 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the dinner hosted by his Trinidad and Tobago counterpart, Kamla Persad-Bissessar on Thursday (local time). PM Modi noted that the food served on Sohari leaf during the dinner is of great cultural significance to the people of Trinidad and Tobago. In the post on X, PM Modi stated, 'The dinner hosted by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar had food served on a Sohari leaf, which is of great cultural significance to the people of Trinidad & Tobago, especially those with Indian roots. Here, food is often served on this leaf during festivals and other special programmes.' During the dinner, PM Modi presented a replica of Ram Mandir and holy water from the Saryu River as well as from Mahakumbh held in Prayagraj, to Kamla Persad-Bissessar. 'At the dinner hosted by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, I presented a replica of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya and holy water from the Saryu river as well as from the Mahakumbh held in Prayagraj. They symbolise the deep cultural and spiritual bonds between India and Trinidad & Tobago,' PM Modi posted on X. Earlier, PM Modi and Kamla Persad-Bissessar addressed the Indian community members in Port of Spain. PM Modi said that the Indian community event in Port of Spain was made even more special by the presence of Kamla Persad-Bissessar. He thanked Bissessar for her kind words and emphasis on strong friendship between two nations. In a post on X, PM Modi stated, 'Today's community programme in Port of Spain was made even more special by the distinguished presence of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. I thank her for the kind words and the emphasis on strong India-Trinidad & Tobago friendship.' During the Indian community event, Kamla Persad-Bissessar praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, calling him a 'transformational force who has refined governance of India.' She stated that PM Modi has modernised India's economy through his visionary and futuristic initiatives. She said, 'This evening we are graced by the presence of someone near and dear to us. We are graced by a leader whose visit is not just a matter of protocol, but a profound honour for us and so I am deeply privileged to join everyone here to welcome one of the world's most respected, most admired visionary leaders, the honourable Shri Narendra Modiji, Prime Minister of the Republic of India and his delegation on this very historic state visit to Trinidad and Tobago. Prime Minister Modi, your presence is a great inspiration to all of us, particularly to the Indo-Trinidadian community, whose roots are planted and the same blessed Indian soil from which you emerged.' 'This special community diaspora event is part of a packed schedule of official engagements, including an address to a joint assembly of our parliament and that will take place tomorrow, as well as the signing of several memoranda of understanding between our two nations. So, tonight we honour revered cultural and familial bonds between our people. These bonds that transcend time and distance, uniting us in a shared history and a shared future. Prime Minister Modi, you are a transformational force who has refined governance of India and positioned your country as a prominent and dominant global power. Through your visionary and futuristic initiatives, you have modernised the Indian economy. You have empowered over a billion citizens, and above all, you have instilled pride in the hearts of all Indians all over the world and yet it's not only your governance, sir, but it is your reverence for heritage that has brought us together tonight,' she added. PM Modi began his first official visit to Trinidad and Tobago on Thursday (local time) with a ceremonial Guard of Honour at Piarco International Airport, where he was received by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar along with 38 ministers and four Members of Parliament of the Caribbean nation. PM Modi has shared highlights from the special welcome in Port of Spain on social media platform X. The video shows PM Modi being welcomed by his Trinidad and Tobago counterpart Kamla Persad-Bissessar. Upon his arrival in Port of Spain, PM Modi was given a ceremonial welcome. The people of Trinidad and Tobago greeted PM Modi with enthusiasm, dancing to the beat of drums and showcasing traditional music and performances that reflected a blend of local and Indian culture. PM Modi also interacted with members of the Indian diaspora who had gathered at Piarco International Airport to welcome him. While sharing the video on X, PM Modi wrote, 'May the friendship between India-Trinidad & Tobago flourish in the times to come! Highlights from a special welcome in Port of Spain.' PM Modi's visit to Trinidad and Tobago is part of a broader five-nation tour taking place from July 2 to July 9. His stop in Trinidad and Tobago is expected to boost bilateral relations, with a focus on areas such as digital finance, renewable energy, health, and information technology. (ANI)
India Gazette
14 hours ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
Transformational force who has refined governance of India: Trinidad and Tobago PM praises PM Modi's leadership
Port of Spain [Trinidad and Tobago], July 4 (ANI): Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, calling him a 'transformational force who has refined governance of India.' She stated that PM Modi has modernised India's economy through his visionary and futuristic initiatives. While addressing Indian community event in Trinidad and Tobago on Thursday (local time), Bissessar hailed the relationship between two nations, calling them 'ties of ancestry, kinship, sacrifice and love.' She said, 'Namaste, Sita-Ram and good evening. This evening we are graced by the presence of someone near and dear to us. We are graced by a leader whose visit is not just a matter of protocol, but a profound honour for us and so I am deeply privileged to join everyone here to welcome one of the world's most respected, most admired visionary leaders, the honourable Shri Narendra Modiji, Prime Minister of the Republic of India and his delegation on this very historic state visit to Trinidad and Tobago. Prime Minister Modi, your presence is a great inspiration to all of us, particularly to the Indo-Trinidadian community, whose roots are planted and the same blessed Indian soil from which you emerged.' 'This special community diaspora event is part of a packed schedule of official engagements, including an address to a joint assembly of our parliament and that will take place tomorrow, as well as the signing of several memoranda of understanding between our two nations. So, tonight we honour revered cultural and familial bonds between our people. These bonds that transcend time and distance, uniting us in a shared history and a shared future. Prime Minister Modi, you are a transformational force who has refined governance of India and positioned your country as a prominent and dominant global power. Through your visionary and futuristic initiatives, you have modernised the Indian economy. You have empowered over a billion citizens, and above all, you have instilled pride in the hearts of all Indians all over the world and yet it's not only your governance, sir, but it is your reverence for heritage that has brought us together tonight,' she added. She recalled PM Modi's earlier visit to Trinidad and Tobago in 2002, when he was not PM of India. She stated that PM Modi returned to Trinidad and Tobago as a 'distinguished and celebrated leader' whose influence transcends borders. She also mentioned about Fatel Razack, which was the first ship that carried Indians to Trinidad in 1845. She said, 'On your first visit to our country, you were not then prime minister. But as part of a cultural ambassador, as part of the World Hindu conference in 2002. Today, sir. You return as the head of a government of more than 1.4 billion people. You return as a distinguished and celebrated leader whose influence transcends boundaries. We bow to you, sir. What inspires this gathering most is your enduring commitment to the Indian diaspora, promoting culture, history, and the spirit of our shared journey. The ties that bind India and Trinidad and Tobago are not merely diplomatic in nature. These are ties of ancestry, of kinship, of sacrifice, and of love. We are bound by history, by shared struggle, and we're bound by common dreams.' 'The journey that began 180 years ago in 1845 with the arrival of Fatal Razak at Nelson Island has evolved into a story of resilience, transformation, and success. Those early Indian migrants left behind everything except their language, their faith, and their culture. They crossed the Kalapani, the dark waters once believed to sever the soul from the sacred, but today we have reimagined that journey. We have moved from Kalapani to Panaanhan waters of unity. Water not as a divider, but as a bond that unites our people and in this spirit, we embrace ocean of unity and enduring oceanic connection between India and Trinidad and Tobago. We here are the grandchildren of Mother India, separated by oceans, but always remain united by enduring love and respect,' she added. Quoting a poem written by PM Modi in his book 'Aankh aa dhanya che', Trinidad and Tobago PM said, 'This union is best... in a poem, sir, that you once wrote Shri Modiji. And I will share some of the words from your poem. In the recesses of my mind. I travel far into the past, and each face I see unfolds a memory. My recall comes with ease. Each visage easily recognised. Nothing stays hidden, for this is the truth plain to see that our companions, with whom we suffered, never forgotten, together endured those sufferings. They become the journey in the end. Yes, Shri Modi, our people have suffered, but they have endured and their endurance became the foundation of our nations. Somewhere In the distant echoes of time, somewhere in the annals of history, our ancestors are rejoicing at your visit, whispering through the winds of memory, their spirits stirred by the sacred reunion of their scattered children. This blessed moment affirms what we already know the ties that bind our two nations are truly unbreakable.' She stated that India, under PM Modi's leadership, provided vaccines to small nations like Trinidad and Tobago during the COVID-19 pandemic and termed it an 'act of shared humanity and love.' She announced that Trinidad and Tobago's highest honour 'the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago' will be conferred to PM Modi on Friday. She said, 'Under your leadership, India has extended its hand to the world, but never more so, through your compassion, through your benevolence with the vaccines initiative 4 years ago when the COVID-19 pandemic brought the world to its knees, while some other countries were hoarding medical supplies, you, sir, you ensured that vaccines and supplies reached even the smallest nations, including Trinidad and Tobago. Through your benevolence, you brought hope and calm where there was fear. I say again, this is more than diplomacy, this was an act of kinship. This was an act of shared humanity.' 'This was an act of love and this is one of the many reasons we are deeply proud to bestow upon you, Excellency, the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. Our nation's highest honour tomorrow will be conferred. We are all threads in the same human fabric, bound not by circumstance, but by compassion, resilience, and the timeless truths of our shared heritage. So honourable Prime Minister, Let us continue this journey together as partners, as brother and sister, and as proud children of the most enduring heritage in history. This ocean Of unity. This is our legacy. This is all love,' she added. During his address to the Indian community in Trinidad and Tobago, PM Modi underlined Bihar's historic and cultural importance, praised the courage of the Indian diaspora, and called Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar 'daughter of Bihar', as he recalled her ancestral ties to the state and requested her to offer water from the Sarayu and the Mahakumbh to the Ganga Dhara in the Caribbean nation. '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. 'You all know that earlier this year, the world's largest spiritual gathering, the Mahakumbh, took place. I have the honour to carry water from the Mahakumbh with me. I request Kamala ji to offer the holy waters of the Sarayu river and Mahakumbh to the Ganga dhara here,' he added. PM Modi began his first official visit to Trinidad and Tobago on Thursday (local time) with a ceremonial Guard of Honour at Piarco International Airport, where he was received by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar along with 38 ministers and four Members of Parliament of the Caribbean nation. This is PM Modi's first visit to the country as Prime Minister and the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the Caribbean nation since 1999. The visit comes at the invitation of Trinidad and Tobago's Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. (ANI)
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Business Standard
16 hours ago
- Politics
- Business Standard
Trinidad and Tobago PM praises PM Modi, calls him transformational force
Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, calling him a "transformational force who has refined governance of India." She stated that PM Modi has modernised India's economy through his visionary and futuristic initiatives. While addressing Indian community event in Trinidad and Tobago on Thursday (local time), Bissessar hailed the relationship between two nations, calling them "ties of ancestry, kinship, sacrifice and love." She said, "Namaste, Sita-Ram and good evening. This evening we are graced by the presence of someone near and dear to us. We are graced by a leader whose visit is not just a matter of protocol, but a profound honour for us and so I am deeply privileged to join everyone here to welcome one of the world's most respected, most admired visionary leaders, the honourable Shri Narendra Modiji, Prime Minister of the Republic of India and his delegation on this very historic state visit to Trinidad and Tobago. Prime Minister Modi, your presence is a great inspiration to all of us, particularly to the Indo-Trinidadian community, whose roots are planted and the same blessed Indian soil from which you emerged." "This special community diaspora event is part of a packed schedule of official engagements, including an address to a joint assembly of our parliament and that will take place tomorrow, as well as the signing of several memoranda of understanding between our two nations. So, tonight we honour revered cultural and familial bonds between our people. These bonds that transcend time and distance, uniting us in a shared history and a shared future. Prime Minister Modi, you are a transformational force who has refined governance of India and positioned your country as a prominent and dominant global power. Through your visionary and futuristic initiatives, you have modernised the Indian economy. You have empowered over a billion citizens, and above all, you have instilled pride in the hearts of all Indians all over the world and yet it's not only your governance, sir, but it is your reverence for heritage that has brought us together tonight," she added. She recalled PM Modi's earlier visit to Trinidad and Tobago in 2002, when he was not PM of India. She stated that PM Modi returned to Trinidad and Tobago as a "distinguished and celebrated leader" whose influence transcends borders. She also mentioned about Fatel Razack, which was the first ship that carried Indians to Trinidad in 1845. She said, "On your first visit to our country, you were not then prime minister. But as part of a cultural ambassador, as part of the World Hindu conference in 2002. Today, sir. You return as the head of a government of more than 1.4 billion people. You return as a distinguished and celebrated leader whose influence transcends boundaries. We bow to you, sir. What inspires this gathering most is your enduring commitment to the Indian diaspora, promoting culture, history, and the spirit of our shared journey. The ties that bind India and Trinidad and Tobago are not merely diplomatic in nature. These are ties of ancestry, of kinship, of sacrifice, and of love. We are bound by history, by shared struggle, and we're bound by common dreams." "The journey that began 180 years ago in 1845 with the arrival of Fatal Razak at Nelson Island has evolved into a story of resilience, transformation, and success. Those early Indian migrants left behind everything except their language, their faith, and their culture. They crossed the Kalapani, the dark waters once believed to sever the soul from the sacred, but today we have reimagined that journey. We have moved from Kalapani to Panaanhan waters of unity. Water not as a divider, but as a bond that unites our people and in this spirit, we embrace ocean of unity and enduring oceanic connection between India and Trinidad and Tobago. We here are the grandchildren of Mother India, separated by oceans, but always remain united by enduring love and respect," she added. Quoting a poem written by PM Modi in his book 'Aankh aa dhanya che', Trinidad and Tobago PM said, "This union is best... in a poem, sir, that you once wrote Shri Modiji. And I will share some of the words from your poem. In the recesses of my mind. I travel far into the past, and each face I see unfolds a memory. My recall comes with ease. Each visage easily recognised. Nothing stays hidden, for this is the truth plain to see that our companions, with whom we suffered, never forgotten, together endured those sufferings. They become the journey in the end. Yes, Shri Modi, our people have suffered, but they have endured and their endurance became the foundation of our nations. Somewhere In the distant echoes of time, somewhere in the annals of history, our ancestors are rejoicing at your visit, whispering through the winds of memory, their spirits stirred by the sacred reunion of their scattered children. This blessed moment affirms what we already know the ties that bind our two nations are truly unbreakable." She stated that India, under PM Modi's leadership, provided vaccines to small nations like Trinidad and Tobago during the COVID-19 pandemic and termed it an "act of shared humanity and love." She announced that Trinidad and Tobago's highest honour "the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago" will be conferred to PM Modi on Friday. She said, "Under your leadership, India has extended its hand to the world, but never more so, through your compassion, through your benevolence with the vaccines initiative 4 years ago when the COVID-19 pandemic brought the world to its knees, while some other countries were hoarding medical supplies, you, sir, you ensured that vaccines and supplies reached even the smallest nations, including Trinidad and Tobago. Through your benevolence, you brought hope and calm where there was fear. I say again, this is more than diplomacy, this was an act of kinship. This was an act of shared humanity." "This was an act of love and this is one of the many reasons we are deeply proud to bestow upon you, Excellency, the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. Our nation's highest honour tomorrow will be conferred. We are all threads in the same human fabric, bound not by circumstance, but by compassion, resilience, and the timeless truths of our shared heritage. So honourable Prime Minister, Let us continue this journey together as partners, as brother and sister, and as proud children of the most enduring heritage in history. This ocean Of unity. This is our legacy. This is all love," she added. During his address to the Indian community in Trinidad and Tobago, PM Modi underlined Bihar's historic and cultural importance, praised the courage of the Indian diaspora, and called Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar "daughter of Bihar", as he recalled her ancestral ties to the state and requested her to offer water from the Sarayu and the Mahakumbh to the Ganga Dhara in the Caribbean nation. "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. "You all know that earlier this year, the world's largest spiritual gathering, the Mahakumbh, took place. I have the honour to carry water from the Mahakumbh with me. I request Kamala ji to offer the holy waters of the Sarayu river and Mahakumbh to the Ganga dhara here," he added. PM Modi began his first official visit to Trinidad and Tobago on Thursday (local time) with a ceremonial Guard of Honour at Piarco International Airport, where he was received by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar along with 38 ministers and four Members of Parliament of the Caribbean nation. This is PM Modi's first visit to the country as Prime Minister and the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the Caribbean nation since 1999. The visit comes at the invitation of Trinidad and Tobago's Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar.
