By :- Prakarsh Kastwar
Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was given a vibrant and traditional welcome with dhol-manjira and Bhojpuri Chautaal upon his arrival in Trinidad and Tobago during the second leg of his five-nation foreign tour. This marks his first official visit to the Caribbean nation and also the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Trinidad and Tobago in 25 years.
As PM Modi stepped into Port of Spain, the capital, he was welcomed in a uniquely Indian-Caribbean fashion. Artists performed the traditional Bhojpuri Chautaal, accompanied by folk instruments such as jhaal-tasa and dhol-manjira, showcasing the deep-rooted cultural ties between India and the Caribbean country.
“An Invaluable Cultural Connection”
Deeply moved by the reception, PM Modi shared his emotions in a Bhojpuri post on his official X (formerly Twitter) account. He wrote,
“A cultural connection like no other! Delighted to witness a vibrant Bhojpuri Chautaal performance in Port of Spain. The bond between Trinidad and Tobago and India—especially Eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar—is truly special.”
He emphasized that such a blend of cultures, traditions, and emotions cannot be found anywhere else in the world. PM Modi described the welcome as unforgettable and a testament to the rich diaspora heritage.
Engaging with the Indian Community
During his stay, PM Modi interacted with members of the Indian-origin community in Trinidad and Tobago, acknowledging their invaluable contributions to local development while preserving Indian culture and traditions. He praised their accomplishments in various sectors and underlined the strength of the global Indian diaspora.
Meeting ‘Know India’ Quiz Winners
PM Modi also met the winners of the Know India quiz competition held in Trinidad and Tobago. He congratulated Shankar Ramjattan, Nicholas Maraj, and Vince Mahato, noting that the quiz has generated global interest and strengthened the diaspora’s bond with India.
Historic Visit After 25 Years
Highlighting the significance of the visit, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, “PM Modi’s arrival in Port of Spain is historic. It marks the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister in 25 years.” He also confirmed that Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and her cabinet welcomed PM Modi at the airport.
Deep Roots in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, around 1.3 million people reside in Trinidad and Tobago, with approximately 45% of them being of Indian origin. Most of them trace their ancestry to districts in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar such as Chhapra, Ara, Ballia, Siwan, Gopalganj, Varanasi, and Azamgarh—regions that predominantly speak Bhojpuri.
The Prime Minister’s visit aims to reinforce bilateral ties and celebrate the longstanding cultural and emotional connection between India and Trinidad and Tobago.