Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, arriving in Trinidad and Tobago for a historic two-day visit, celebrated the deep cultural and ancestral bonds between the two nations by referring to his counterpart, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, as “Bihar ki Beti” (daughter of Bihar). The visit, the first by an Indian Prime Minister to the Caribbean nation since 1999, has been marked by warm gestures and a focus on shared heritage.
A Grand Welcome and Bhojpuri Echoes
Upon his arrival in Port of Spain on Thursday evening (local time), PM Modi was given a grand ceremonial welcome, received personally by PM Persad-Bissessar and her entire cabinet, many of whom were dressed in traditional Indian attire. The reception was highlighted by a vibrant performance of Bhojpuri Chautaal, a folk music tradition with roots in eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Sharing the moment on X, PM Modi wrote, “Bhojpuri Chautaal echoes in Trinidad & Tobago! The connect between Trinidad & Tobago and India, especially parts of eastern UP and Bihar is noteworthy.”
Praising the Diaspora and Shared Heritage
Addressing a large gathering of the Indian diaspora, PM Modi lauded their immense contribution to Trinidad and Tobago’s development while preserving their connection to India. He highlighted that PM Persad-Bissessar’s ancestors hailed from Buxar in Bihar, a fact she has proudly embraced. As a gesture of spiritual connection, PM Modi brought with him a replica of the Ram Mandir and holy water from the Sangam and the Sarayu River in Ayodhya. In a significant announcement for the diaspora, he declared that eligibility for Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards would be extended to the sixth generation of people of Indian origin in the country.
