PM Modi Recalls ‘Bihar Ki Beti’ Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s Roots in First Trinidad and Tobago Visit

PM Modi Recalls ‘Bihar Ki Beti’ Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s Roots in First Trinidad and Tobago Visit

PM Modi Hails Trinidad and Tobago’s Indian Diaspora, Recalls PM Kamla’s Bihari Roots

Port of Spain | In a historic and deeply symbolic visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Indian diaspora in Trinidad and Tobago, marking the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the Caribbean nation since 1999. The visit underlined strong cultural and ancestral ties between India and the Indo-Caribbean community, many of whom trace their lineage back to Indian states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.

In his emotional address in Port of Spain, PM Modi celebrated the enduring spirit of the Indian community and praised Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, referring to her as “Bihar ki Beti” (daughter of Bihar). Modi noted that her ancestors hailed from Buxar, Bihar, and that her journey symbolizes the unbreakable connection between India and its global diaspora.

“People consider her a ‘Bihar ki Beti’. Bihar’s legacy is not just India’s pride, but the world’s treasure,” Modi remarked, reinforcing Bihar’s historical contributions to democracy, diplomacy, and higher education.

Ram Mandir Replica Gifted as Symbol of Shared Devotion

In a touching moment, Prime Minister Modi presented the local Indian community with a replica of the Ram Mandir and holy water from the Sarayu River in Ayodhya—mirroring the earlier contribution by Indo-Trinidadians who had sent sacred ‘shilas’ and water to support the temple’s construction.

“I am aware of your deep faith in Prabhu Shri Ram... You had sent water and ‘Shila’ for the Ram Mandir. Today, I bring with me a replica of the Ram Mandir and the sacred Sarayu water, as a symbol of our shared devotion,” PM Modi declared.

He applauded the unique Ram Leelas performed in Trinidad and Tobago and emphasized how the Ramayana remains an emotional and cultural anchor for the Indian diaspora, even generations after migration.

“You Left the Ganga, But Carried the Ramayana in Your Hearts”

Praising the resilience and cultural commitment of the Indo-Caribbean people, Modi said,

“Your ancestors left the Ganga and Yamuna behind but carried Ramayana in their hearts. They left their soil but not their soul.”

He described the Indian community’s migration history not as one of loss, but of contribution—culturally, spiritually, and economically.

“They were not just migrants; they were messengers of a timeless civilization,” Modi said, calling each member of the diaspora a “Rashtradoot”—an ambassador of India’s culture and values.

PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar Welcomes Modi with High Praise

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar warmly welcomed PM Modi, describing his presence as an “honour” and highlighting his transformational leadership on the global stage.

“PM Modi is not just a leader but a visionary. He has redefined governance and elevated India’s role in global politics,” she stated.

She reaffirmed the deep cultural bonds between the two nations, saying,

“These bonds transcend time and distance, uniting us in a shared history and shared future.”

Persad-Bissessar’s emotional tribute to her ancestral ties added a personal dimension to the diplomatic engagement. Her recognition as “Bihar ki Beti” resonated deeply with both Indian and Caribbean audiences.

Strategic Significance of the Visit

This 2025 visit marks a diplomatic milestone, being PM Modi’s first official trip to Trinidad and Tobago and the first Indian Prime Ministerial visit since 1999. The tour signifies India’s increased outreach to the Caribbean under its Act East and Global South foreign policy frameworks, seeking to strengthen historical links and unlock new cooperation in areas like trade, culture, and diaspora engagement.