Prime Minister Narendra Modi was honored with Trinidad and Tobago’s highest civilian honor ‘The Order of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago’. This honor was given to him during the visit of the country. Accepting this, Prime Minister Modi said, “I accept this honor from 140 crore Indians.”
In fact, Prime Minister Kamala Pasad-Bissor of Trinidad and Tobago gave a grand welcome to PM Modi at Pirco International Airport with the entire cabinet. The special thing about the reception is that all the ministers appeared in traditional Indian costumes. In the costumes of Indian mythological characters at the airport, artists gave cultural performances, which continued till PM Modi reached the hotel.
PM Modi addressed the Parliament there in the evening. He said that I am proud to be the first Indian Prime Minister to talk to you in this prestigious Red House. This historic red building has seen the struggle and sacrifice of the people of Trinidad and Tobago for freedom and respect. Both our nations emerged from the shadow of colonial rule and emerged to write their stories with courage and democracy as their ink.
Bihar’s contribution shows the way to the world
He said that today, both our countries are standing as a pillar of glorious democracy and strength in the modern world. You all know that democracy in India is not just a political model. This is a lifestyle for us, we have a great heritage of thousands of years.
PM Modi also highlighted the legacy of Bihar. He said that the legacy of Bihar is the pride of India and the world. In many areas like democracy, politics and diplomacy, Bihar has shown the way to the world for centuries. In the 21st century too, new opportunities will be born from Bihar. There are many friends in this Parliament also, who are ancestors from Bihar. The Bihar which is the land of Maha-Japadas i.e. ancient republics.
Big gift to citizens of Indian origin
Overseas Indians gave a grand welcome to the Prime Minister with slogans of ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ and ‘Modi-Modi’ at the hotel. During this time, the tunes of Bhojpuri Chhautal and Orchestra made the atmosphere alive. Prime Minister Modi praised the visit of the overseas Indians and said that he left his soil but not a soul. He was not just a migrant, he was a messenger of a timely civilization.
Prime Minister Modi made a big announcement that now citizens up to the sixth generation of Indian origin will be eligible for OCI (Overseas Citizenship of India) card. This will give them legal rights to live and work in India.
In this small island country with a population of about 13 lakhs, 45% of people are of Indian origin, most of which have come from Bhojpuri -speaking districts of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Their ancestors were brought here as a mortgage laborer during the British Raj and settled here.
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