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United News of India
10 hours ago
- Politics
- United News of India
Trinidad and Tobago gripped by Modi mania, thousands attired in Indian wear celebrate his visit
Port of Spain, July 4 (UNI) Trinidad and Tobago was gripped by Modi-mania on Thursday which included Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar delivering a heartfelt speech celebrating the ancestral and cultural ties between Trinidad and Tobago and India. From the moment Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's feet touched the ground at the old Piarco airport just after 4 p.m., he received a warm Trinbago welcome. And as he was arriving at the airport, thousands of people were making their way to the National Cycling Centre in Couva for a Community Diaspora Event in honour of the Indian Prime Minister, the Trinidad Express reported. In an address that resonated with emotion, Persad-Bissessar welcomed Modi, to the cheers of 4,000 specially invited guests who filled the centre. The Prime Minister emphasised both the importance and sentiment behind Modi's visit, saying: '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. 'Prime Minister Modi, your presence is a source of 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.' The evening formed part of Prime Minister Modi's official two-day visit, which includes a formal address to a joint sitting of Parliament and the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding between the two countries today. At the centre, Modi received more of Trinidad and Tobago's hospitality as thousands, dressed in Indian wear, celebrated his visit to T&T. Persad-Bissessar spoke of the familial bonds between both nations.'Tonight, we honour the revered cultural and familial bonds between our people. These bonds transcend time and distance, uniting us in a shared history and a shared future,' she told the audience. The Prime Minister paid tribute to Modi's leadership, hailing him as 'a transformational force who has redefined governance in India and positioned your country as a prominent and dominant global power'. She emphasised that it was not just his governance that brought the people of Trinidad and Tobago together with India—it was his enduring reverence for culture and heritage. She reminded the crowd that Modi's first visit to Trinidad and Tobago was not as a prime minister, but in 2002 as a cultural ambassador attending the World Hindu Conference. 'Today, you return as the head of government of more than 1.4 billion people, a distinguished and celebrated leader whose influence transcends borders,' Persad-Bissessar stated. The Prime Minister recalled the journey of Indian indentured labourers, who arrived in Trinidad in 1845 aboard the Fatel Razack, carrying only their language, culture and faith. 'They crossed the Kala Pani, the 'dark waters' once believed to sever the soul from the sacred. But today, we have re-imagined that journey,' Prime Minister Bissessar said. She introduced the poetic phrase Pani Bandhan (Waters of Unity) and Samudra Bandhan (Ocean of Unity), reframing the sea not as a divider, but as a sacred link that binds two nations.'We here are the grandchildren of Mother India, separated by oceans but reunited by enduring love and respect,' she said. In a poignant moment, Persad-Bissessar read from one of Modi's own poems, 'Journey', which speaks of memory, struggle, and shared suffering: '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.' As she spoke, Modi smiled and listened. Turning to the sacrifices of Indian migrants to Trinidad, Persad-Bissessar said: 'Yes, Shri Modi. Our people have suffered. But they endured.' She continued: 'And their endurance became the foundation of our nations.' Prime Minister Bissessar suggested that the ancestors themselves were rejoicing. '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 this sacred reunion of their scattered children.' Persad-Bissessar called for continued partnership between T&T and India. '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, Prime Minister, let us continue this journey together as partners, as brother and sister, and as proud children of a most enduring heritage in history,' she said. UNI RN
India Gazette
a day ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
PM Modi receives ceremonial welcome in Trinidad and Tobago, interacts with Indian diaspora
Port of Spain [Trinidad and Tobago], July 4 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi was given a ceremonial welcome upon his arrival in Port of Spain, as he began his first official visit to Trinidad and Tobago. 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. Modi also interacted with members of the Indian diaspora who had gathered at Piarco International Airport to welcome him. Many had been eagerly waiting to catch a glimpse of the Indian Prime Minister. This is Modi's first visit to Trinidad and Tobago as Prime Minister. He was received at the airport by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, along with 38 ministers and four Members of Parliament. The visit is taking place at the invitation of Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar. During his two-day stay from July 3 to 4, PM Modi is scheduled to hold talks with President Christine Carla Kangaloo and Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries. The High Commission in Port of Spain welcomed him with a post on X: 'Welcome to Trinidad & Tobago, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji!!' Earlier, Former Permanent Secretary at Trinidad and Tobago's Ministry of Agriculture, Dev Duggal expressed enthusiasm on PM Modi's visit, saying he's 'proud' that the Indian PM is visiting Trinidad and Tobago. 'We are very proud that PM Modi is visiting Trinidad and Tobago. This visit has been anticipated for a long time... I was in the Ministry of Agriculture in the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, and then I served as the advisor to the minister... PM Modi's previous visit was 22 years ago when he came to attend the World Hindu Conference, not as the PM of India. This visit carries a different stature,' Dev Duggal told ANI. Duggal also expressed happiness over the Trinidad and Tobago government's decision to honour PM Modi withthe Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (ORTT), their highest honour. 'I am very happy that Trinidad and Tobago has decided to award PM Modi with the highest award. It is done after a lot of consideration... This award will bring both countries together. Both countries respect each other. 50% of the population of Trinidad and Tobago is of Indian origin... This visit is beneficial for both countries,' he said. 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 IT. (ANI)
Time of India
a day ago
- Politics
- Time of India
25 years after his 1st Trinidad trip, PM Modi visit to rekindle diaspora ties
NEW DELHI: PM Modi will reach Port of Spain Thursday on the first visit by an Indian PM to Trinidad and Tobago since 1999. While this will be his first official visit, part of the focus on strengthening engagement with the Carribean nation's Indian diaspora, Modi's ties with Trinidad and Tobago, stretch back 25 years. In Aug 2000, as BJP general secretary, he attended World Hindu Conference. The gathering had brought together over 1,000 delegates from across the globe. Modi's keynote address focused on the ancient Indian concept of prioritising the lager social good over one's personal interests and preservation of Indian culture within the Indian diaspora. This connection is expected to be a highlight of the upcoming trip as well, with Modi likely to meet representatives of the diaspora. Modi's interaction with the Indian diaspora, which forms nearly 40% of Trinidad's population, will be a key feature of the visit. A large public event is being planned in Port of Spain, where the PM is expected to underline India's role as a "Vishwa Mitra (friend of the world)" and reiterate his govt's outreach to people of Indian origin globally. During his visit, Modi is expected to hold talks with Trinidad and Tobago PM Keith Rowley to explore ways to expand cooperation in areas such as renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, IT, and capacity building.
India Gazette
a day ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
PM Modi receives ceremonial welcome in Trinidad and Tobago, interacts with diaspora
Port of Spain [Trinidad and Tobago], July 4 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi was given a ceremonial welcome upon his arrival in Port of Spain, as he began his first official visit to Trinidad and Tobago. 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. Modi also interacted with members of the Indian diaspora who had gathered at Piarco International Airport to welcome him. Many had been eagerly waiting to catch a glimpse of the Indian Prime Minister. This is Modi's first visit to Trinidad and Tobago as Prime Minister. He was received at the airport by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, along with 38 ministers and four Members of Parliament. The visit is taking place at the invitation of Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar. During his two-day stay from July 3 to 4, PM Modi is scheduled to hold talks with President Christine Carla Kangaloo and Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries. The High Commission in Port of Spain welcomed him with a post on X: 'Welcome to Trinidad & Tobago, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji!!' Earlier, Former Permanent Secretary at Trinidad and Tobago's Ministry of Agriculture, Dev Duggal expressed enthusiasm on PM Modi's visit, saying he's 'proud' that the Indian PM is visiting Trinidad and Tobago. 'We are very proud that PM Modi is visiting Trinidad and Tobago. This visit has been anticipated for a long time... I was in the Ministry of Agriculture in the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, and then I served as the advisor to the minister... PM Modi's previous visit was 22 years ago when he came to attend the World Hindu Conference, not as the PM of India. This visit carries a different stature,' Dev Duggal told ANI. Duggal also expressed happiness over the Trinidad and Tobago government's decision to honour PM Modi withthe Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (ORTT), their highest honour. 'I am very happy that Trinidad and Tobago has decided to award PM Modi with the highest award. It is done after a lot of consideration... This award will bring both countries together. Both countries respect each other. 50% of the population of Trinidad and Tobago is of Indian origin... This visit is beneficial for both countries,' he said. 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 IT. (ANI)
News18
2 days ago
- Politics
- News18
When ‘Karyakarta' Modi Visited Trinidad & Tobago 25 Years Ago For World Hindu Conference
Last Updated: Even back then, Modi had visited villages in Trinidad, meeting the local Indian community, learning how they adapted to life in the Caribbean & reflecting on their ties to India Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to make a historic visit to Trinidad and Tobago on July 3-4, marking his first official trip to the island nation as India's prime minister. The visit is particularly significant as it represents the first bilateral visit by an Indian prime minister to Trinidad and Tobago since 1999. While this may be his first official trip, PM Modi's connection with Trinidad and Tobago dates back to August 2000, when he attended the World Hindu Conference at the Cascadia Hotel in Port of Spain. Organised by the Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha, the conference attracted over 1,000 delegates from around the world and focused on the theme 'Self-Emancipation and World Welfare'. At the time, Modi was serving as the general secretary of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and delivered a keynote address centered on the ancient wisdom of Aatmanam Mokshartham Jagat Hitaya Cha—a principle that calls for the liberation of the self for the greater good of the world. In his address, Modi emphasised the importance of unity and the preservation of cultural heritage within the Indian diaspora. The World Hindu Conference, held in Port of Spain, brought together a diverse group of leaders and thinkers. The event was attended by prominent figures such as Basdeo Panday, the then prime minister of Trinidad and Tobago, RSS Sarsanghchalak K Sudarshan, Swami Chidanand Saraswati, and Ashok Singhal. It was a powerful gathering that celebrated the resilience of Hinduism. The Indian delegation was both large and influential, comprising key figures from the VHP, RSS, BJP, and Shankaracharya Swami Divyanand Teerth. Additionally, there was a significant delegation from Guyana, including Justice Nandram Kissoon, Swami Aksharananda, and minister of agriculture Pandit Reepudaman Persaud. Even back then, Modi had established a strong connection with the Indian diaspora in the Caribbean. He visited villages in Trinidad, meeting with the local Indian community, learning about how they adapted to life in the Caribbean, and reflecting on their lasting ties to India. During one meeting, Modi praised the community for preserving their cultural and spiritual practices despite the challenges of distance and time. The 2000 World Hindu Conference of Trinidad and Tobago was part of a larger series of events focused on promoting and preserving Hindu values. After previous conferences in Nairobi (1998) and South Africa (1995), the 2000 event aimed to unite people of Indian origin worldwide and strengthen their cultural and spiritual connections. This event also served as a precursor to the World Summit of Spiritual and Religious Leaders at the United Nations from August 28 to 31. The discussions at the World Hindu Conference 2000 influenced ideas shared at the UN in the following weeks. Following the conference in Trinidad and Tobago, Modi continued to be actively involved in global platforms, advocating for the Hindu cause. From August 28-31, he took part in the Millennium World Peace Summit at the United Nations in New York, attended by over 2,000 religious leaders from around the world. A few days later, on September 9, 2000, Narendra Modi attended a major event in Staten Island, New Jersey, organised by the Indian American community and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad. The event, with over 5,000 people in attendance, featured then prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee as the chief guest, along with several notable saints who had attended the UN summit. In his 2000 speech at the World Hindu Conference in Trinidad and Tobago, Modi called for unity and global welfare. He urged leaders to prioritise the progress of society over personal gain. Today, as prime minister, Modi continues to follow these principles, promoting peace and cooperation in a world full of conflict. His actions reflect the same vision he shared 25 years ago, offering hope for a more united and peaceful future.
