Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visit to Guyana, recalled his journey to the country as a traveller two decades ago. Speaking to the Indo-Guyanese community, he expressed his joy in returning as the Prime Minister of India.
Reflecting on the changes over the years, he said that while much had transformed, the love and affection of the Guyanese people remained unchanged. “You can take an Indian out of India, but you cannot take India out of an Indian,” said PM Modi while addressing the Indian community at an event in Georgetown, Guyana. He added that his experiences during this tour reaffirmed this sentiment.
Members of the Indian community expressed great joy over the Prime Minister’s visit. “We are very excited to meet him for the first time. The way he has elevated India’s name on the global platform strengthens us who live in other countries. Everyone now sees us with respect, and this is all because of PM Modi,” said Honey Sehgal, a member of the Indian community.
,Guyanese President Mohamed Irfaan Ali thanked PM Modi and the Indian community, expressing confidence in strengthening India-Guyana ties. He remarked, “Together, we are building a future founded on partnership, progress, prosperity, love, and trust.”
President Ali also highlighted the importance of PM Modi’s concept of the “3Es”—Economy, Education, and Energy, to advance the India-Guyana relationship.
PM Modi thanked the Guyanese leaders for their warmth and hospitality. He shared an emotional moment of planting a tree with the President and his grandmother as part of India’s “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” initiative, describing it as a memory he would cherish forever.
The Prime Minister praised the Indo-Guyanese community for their resilience in the fight for freedom and democracy. He acknowledged their contributions in transforming Guyana into one of the fastest-growing economies, rising from humble beginnings.
Referring to the diaspora as “Rashtradoots” (Ambassadors of the Nation), PM Modi said they embody Indian culture and values. He noted that the Indo-Guyanese community is doubly blessed, with Guyana as their motherland and Bharat Mata as their ancestral land. The Prime Minister emphasised that India is now a land of opportunities and urged the diaspora to play a greater role in connecting the two nations.
“We have a shared future that we want to create,” PM Modi stressed.
The PM also invited the diaspora to participate with their families and friends in the Maha Kumbh, scheduled to take place in Prayagraj from 13 January to 26 February next year. Additionally, he encouraged them to visit the Ram Temple in Ayodhya and attend the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Bhubaneswar in January to seek the blessings of Mahaprabhu Jagannath in Puri.