Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his address to the Indian community in Trinidad and Tobago on Thursday, announced that sixth-generation members of the Indian diaspora in the country will now be eligible for Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) cards.
“Today, I am happy to announce that OCI cards will now be given to the sixth generation of the Indian diaspora in Trinidad and Tobago,” he said. “You are not just connected by blood or surnames — you are connected by belonging. India looks out for you, welcomes you, and embraces you.”
PM Modi highlighted the enduring bonds between India and the Caribbean nation, forged through shared heritage, culture, and values.
He recalled that former Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s ancestors hailed from Buxar in Bihar. “People consider her the daughter of Bihar… Bihar’s heritage is not only India’s pride but a treasure for the world. For centuries, Bihar has been a torchbearer of knowledge and culture, and in the 21st century too, it will continue to offer new opportunities,” he said.
Touching on the spiritual resonance of Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir, PM Modi expressed joy over the return of Ram Lalla after 500 years and noted the diaspora’s contribution to the temple movement. “We remember how you sent holy water and sacred stones for the construction of the Ram Mandir,” he said.
“In return, I have brought a replica of the Ram Mandir and holy water from the Sarayu River,” he added. He also brought water from the recent Maha Kumbh, the world’s largest spiritual gathering.
“I request Kamla Persad-Bissessar ji to offer the holy waters of the Sarayu and Maha Kumbh to the Ganga Dhara here. May these holy waters bless the people of Trinidad and Tobago,” the Prime Minister said.
PM Modi praised the grit and spirit of the Indian-origin community in Trinidad and Tobago, saying their ancestors had turned hardship into hope and migration into a message of civilisation. “They left the Ganga and Yamuna behind but carried the Ramayan in their hearts. They were not just migrants. They were messengers of a timeless civilization. Their contributions have benefitted this country – culturally, economically and spiritually. Just look at the impact that you have all had on this beautiful nation.”
He also lauded the success stories of prominent Indian-origin figures in Trinidad and Tobago, including Kamla Persad-Bissessar, President Christine Carla Kangaloo, the late Prime Minister Basdeo Pandey, mathematician Rudranath Capildeo, music legend Sundar Popo, cricketer Darren Ganga, and Sewdass Sadhu, who built the famed Temple in the Sea.
“You, the children of Girmitiyas, are not defined by struggle anymore. You are defined by your success, your service, and your values,” he said.
“There must be something magical in the “doubles” and “dal poori” — because you have doubled the success of this great nation!”
Recalling his previous visit 25 years ago, PM Modi spoke of how shared cultural traditions and people-to-people ties have strengthened over time. “When I last visited 25 years ago, we all admired the cover drives and pull shots of Lara. Today, it is Sunil Narine and Nicholas Pooran who ignite the same excitement in the hearts of our youth. Between then and now, our friendship has grown even stronger,” he noted.
Highlighting how Indian culture thrives in Trinidad and Tobago, he said, “Benaras, Patna, Kolkata, Delhi may be cities in India. But they are also names of streets here. Navratra, Mahashivratri, Janmasthmi are celebrated here with joy, spirit and pride. Chowtal and Baithak Gana continue to thrive here.”
PM Modi acknowledged the vibrant blend of heritage and aspiration that defines the diaspora: “I can see the warmth of many familiar faces. And I see curiosity in the bright eyes of a younger generation – keen to know and grow together. Truly, our bonds go well beyond geography and generations.”
(With inputs from IANS)