– lauds Guyanese leadership in strengthening bilateral relations
As opportunities within India burst forth far and beyond, each person stationed in India and Guyana can play a bigger role in connecting the two countries.
Those were the remarks of Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi at the diaspora engagement at the National Cultural Centre where he focused on cultural and economic relations between the nations.
He pointed out the numerous similarities of the two nations which can foster an easy connection.
“We have a shared history that binds us together: a common struggle against colonial rule, love for democratic values, and respect for diversity. We have a shared future that we want to create. Today, when India is a land of opportunities, each one of you can play a bigger role in connecting our two countries. I call upon you to participate. Also, encourage your friends from Guyana. It will be a good opportunity to understand India, its values, culture, and diversity.”
Despite being an ocean apart, Modi drew a clear linkage between Guyana and India, stating that the cultural connection with Mother India is strong.
“I see diversity as something to be celebrated, not just tolerated. Our countries are showing how cultural diversity is our strength.”
Many such Indo-Guyanese have made an impact on academics, arts, music, and medicine.
“Friends, our commonalities provide a strong foundation for our friendship. Three things in particular connect India and Guyana deeply: culture, cuisine, and cricket.”
“The love for cricket also binds our nations strongly. It is not just a sport; it is a way of life deeply embedded in our national identity. Some of these great cricketers are here with us today. Many of our cricket fans enjoyed the T20 World Cup that you hosted this year. Your cheers for the matches in Guyana could be heard even back home in India.”
More than 20 years ago when he was not serving in office as the Prime Minister. Modi had visited Guyana. On this note, he made it clear that Guyana has significantly changed in comparison to what he would have witnessed before.
“I have great memories of visiting your wonderful country over two decades ago. At that time, I had no official position. I came to Guyana as a traveller, full of curiosity. Now, I have returned to this land of many waters as the Prime Minister of India. A lot of things have changed between then and now. But the love and affection of my Guyanese brothers and sisters remain the same. My experience has reaffirmed that.”
Remaining anchored in the belief that you can take an Indian out of India, but you cannot take India out of an Indian. “Sir Cheddi Jagan used to say, ‘It matters not what a person is born, but who they choose to be.’ He also lived this verse. The son of a family of labourers, he went on to become a leader of global stature.”
“We continue to call for dialogue and diplomacy to address global crises. Friends, I always call our diaspora the (ambassadors of Indian culture and values). It is said that nothing can compare with the comfort of the mother’s land. You, the Indo-Guyanese community, are doubly blessed. You have Guyana as your motherland and Bharat Mata as your ancestral land.”
The Indian Prime Minister also lauded the leadership of the country for their remarkable work to strengthen bilateral relations between the two nations and across many areas.
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