SAMPSON NANTON
Deputy Managing Editor
sampson.nanton@guardian.co.tt
India Prime Minister Narendra Modi has told members of the Indian diaspora here that they will soon be eligible for Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI), as he praised the strong cultural and historic ties between Trinidad and Tobago and India.
In an address to a crowd of hundreds at the National Cycling Centre in Couva last night, his first official event after arriving in here yesterday afternoon, Modi encouraged more people of Indian descent to visit India. He expressed appreciation for the efforts of the diaspora in fortifying the connections between T&T and India.
“There must be something magical in the doubles and dhalpourie because you have doubled the success of this great nation,” Modi said.
He recognised President Christine Kangaloo, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and the late prime minister Basdeo Panday as distinguished members of the diaspora for their contributions. Additionally, he paid tribute to the late eminent scholar Rudranath Capildeo, the late music icon Sundar Popo, and retired cricketer Darren Ganga.
“Just consider the impact that you all have on this beautiful nation,” he stated, noting that having been shaped by the adversities of the indentureship programme that brought Indians to Trinidad and Tobago, people of Indian descent are now defined not by struggle but by their successes, stories, and values.
He announced that the government of India has embarked on a programme aimed at documenting the villages and cities in India from which the diaspora has originated.
In this regard, he extended a special gift to the segment of the diaspora gathered here in T&T.
“Today, I am delighted to announce that OCI (Overseas Citizenship of India) cards will now be made available to the sixth generation of the Indian diaspora in Trinidad and Tobago. We are not only connected by blood or surname; we are united by a sense of belonging. India cares for you, India welcomes you, and India embraces you,” Modi said amid loud applause.
An OCI card is a distinctive type of visa that allows individuals of Indian heritage to live and work in India indefinitely. While it does not equate to dual citizenship, it confers many of the same rights and privileges as Indian citizens, such as the ability to own property and make investments.
His address, at times infused with Hindi, strongly conveyed the pride which he said he feels for the diaspora.
Modi had previously visited T&T before he became India’s prime minister, as part of a World Hindu Conference delegation.
“Friends, during my last visit 25 years ago, we all admired the cover drives and pull shots of (cricketer Brian) Lara. Today, it is Sunil Narine and Nicholas Pooran who inspire the same excitement in the hearts of our youth,” Modi said, prompting an appreciative response from the audience.
He acknowledged the vibrant celebrations of Ramleela in Sangre Grande and Dow Village, as well as the fact that the names of villages in India are also names of places in this country.
Modi also shared with the audience that he had brought holy water from India as a token of devotion, which he hopes will bless the people of T&T.
He urged T&T nationals to come to India, indicating that it was an opportunity for them to “visit the villages of their ancestors and walk on the soil they once walked.”
“Bring your children and your neighbours. Invite anyone who enjoys chai and a good story,” he noted.
Modi will receive the country’s highest distinction, the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, from President Kangaloo at President’s House today, and will then address a joint session of Parliament.
He is set to depart T&T for Argentina later today.