Bihar ki beti: PM Modi hails Trinidad & Tobago PM's Indian roots

During his Trinidad and Tobago visit, PM Modi called PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar "Bihar ki Beti" and talks about her Buxar roots.

In Short

• Modi calls Trinidad and Tobago PM “Bihar ki Beti” for her Buxar roots
• PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar welcomed Modi in traditional Indian attire
• 40% of country’s population is of Indian origin with 19th-century roots

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visit to Trinidad and Tobago on Friday, called Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar “Bihar ki Beti” (daughter of Bihar). Speaking to the Indian community, PM Modi shared that the country’s prime minister’s ancestors were from Buxar in Bihar and she has even visited the place.

"We are not just connected by blood or surname, we are connected by belonging. India looks out to you and welcomes you. The ancestors of PM Kamla were from Bihar's Buxar. She has also visited the place. People consider her the daughter of Bihar,” PM Modi said.

“Bihar's heritage is the pride of India and the world... Bihar has shown the way to the world in various fields for centuries. New opportunities will emerge from Bihar in the 21st century also," he added.

Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s political career has been marked by many historic firsts since she entered the political arena in 1987. She is the Caribbean country's first female prime minister, attorney general and opposition leader. She is also the first woman to chair the Commonwealth of Nations and the first woman of Indian descent to become a prime minister outside of India and the broader subcontinent.

PM Modi also reflected on his visit 25 years ago, noting how the friendship between the Caribbean country and India has grown stronger since then. He talked about the cultural connections, pointing out that cities like Banaras, Patna, Kolkata and Delhi are not only in India but also found as street names in Trinidad.

"Navaratra, Mahashivratri and Janmashtami are celebrated here with joy, spirit and pride. Chautal and Bhaitak gana continue to thrive here. I can see the warmth of many familiar faces here," he said.

Around 40% of the people in Trinidad and Tobago are of Indian origin. According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, about 556,800 people of Indian descent live there. Out of these, 1,800 are Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), while the rest are local citizens whose ancestors came from India between 1845 and 1917 as indentured labourers.

Even though Trinidad and Tobago is a small country, smaller than Jodhpur in India, the Indian community has played a big role in the country’s culture and economy. Indian traditions can still be seen clearly in their food, music, language and religious festivals.

Additionally, PM Modi also announced that OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) cards will now be given to the 6th generation of the Indian diaspora living in Trinidad and Tobago.

The prime minister received a grand welcome in Trinidad and Tobago on Thursday. He was greeted at the airport by the country’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, along with 38 ministers and four Members of Parliament. A ceremonial Guard of Honour was also presented at Piarco International Airport.

- Ends