Prime Minister Narendra Modi recognized the struggles of Indian indentured labourers, heralding the successes of descendants. He also offers sixth generations members of the Indian Diaspora in T&T the opportunity to
00:00G20 leader Narendra Modi arrives at the community cultural event at the National Cycling Centre
00:07in Koover. It's entitled Namaste Modi. He addresses a packed crowd of eager Trinbegonians
00:15and even Indian citizens, residents in TNT who were happy to see their Prime Minister.
00:21At my very first engagement is with the Indian community here.
00:31It feels completely natural.
00:38After all, we are part of one family. Modi says Trinidad and Tobago's essence is one of courage.
00:51The circumstances your ancestor faced could have broken even the strongest spirits,
01:05but they faced hardships with hope.
01:15They made problems with persistence.
01:21A devotee of the Indian deity Sri Ram, Modi said the Indian indentured labourers carried the Ramayan
01:28in their hearts.
01:28They left their soil, but not their soil.
01:34The India Prime Minister heralded the contributions of the Indian diaspora in TNT, saying the country
01:53benefited culturally, economically and spiritually.
01:57Just look at the impact that you have all had on this beautiful nation.
02:04He referenced President Christine Carla Kangaloo, a female president, the late Bastio Pandey, who he described as the son of a farmer who rose to become not just Prime Minister, but a respected global leader.
02:30Mathematics scholar Rudranov Kapiladev, Sundar Popo, Darren Ganga and Siddharth Sadhu.
02:37You, the children of Girmitya, are not defined by struggle anymore.
02:46You are defined by your success, your service, and your values.
03:03Honestly, there must be something magical in the doubles and dalpudi.
03:20Even referenced our world-class cricketers.
03:23When I last visited 25 years ago, we all admired the cover drives and pull shots of Lara.
03:37Today, it is Sunil Narayan and Nicholas Puran who ignites the same excitement in the hearts of our youth.
04:00He said the bonds between India and TNT go well beyond geography and generations, citing the preservation of the Ramlila festival in Sangha Grandi and Tao village.
04:12Each one of you is a Rashtradut, an ambassador of India's values, culture and heritage.
04:26And the Prime Minister of the fastest growing economy of the world offers the overseas citizen of India card, which will be given to sixth generation members of the Indian diaspora in TNT.
04:39You are not just connected by blood or surname.
04:47You are connected by belonging.
04:53India looks out at you.
04:56India welcomes you.
05:00And India embraces you.
05:02This card is a long-term visa that allows holders of Indian origin to live and work in India indefinitely.
05:11Visit the villages of your ancestors.
05:18Walk the soil they walk on.
05:23Bring your children.
05:25Bring your neighbors.
05:28Bring anyone who enjoys chai and a good story.
05:38We will welcome you all with open arms, warm hearts and jalebi.
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