Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded a momentous visit to Guyana, captivating the Indian diaspora with a heartfelt address that underscored the enduring bond between India and its global community. Speaking at an event in Georgetown, PM Modi eloquently captured the essence of this connection, stating, “You can take an Indian out of India, but you cannot take India out of an Indian.” His words resonated deeply, reflecting his own experience returning to Guyana two decades after a previous visit, this time as the Prime Minister of India. The warmth and affection he received mirrored the love he felt for the Guyanese people, a sentiment he expressed with evident emotion.
The visit was marked by significant honors. PM Modi was bestowed with the Order of Excellence, Guyana’s highest national award, a gesture he humbly dedicated to the 1.4 billion people of India and the thriving 300,000-strong Indo-Guyanese community. He acknowledged their invaluable contributions to Guyana’s remarkable economic progress, highlighting their journey from humble beginnings to becoming integral to the nation’s success. This sentiment was echoed by Guyanese President Mohamed Irfaan Ali, who warmly referred to PM Modi as his “dear friend and brother,” praising the strengthening ties between the two nations.
President Ali expressed his profound gratitude for PM Modi’s visit, stating, “My dear friend and brother, PM Narendra Modi, we had you for more than two days, but still, people cannot have enough of you.” He further emphasized the shared vision for a future built on “partnership, progress, prosperity, love, and trust,” reaffirming PM Modi’s emphasis on the ‘3Es’ – Economy, Education, and Energy – as cornerstones of India-Guyana cooperation. This collaborative approach promises significant advancements in multiple sectors.
PM Modi’s visit extended beyond formal engagements. He shared a deeply personal moment, planting a tree with President Ali and his grandmother as part of the Indian government’s ‘Ek Ped Maa ke Naam’ initiative. This poignant act underscored the enduring connection between the two nations and symbolized a shared commitment to environmental stewardship. Addressing the diaspora, he lauded the Indo-Guyanese community’s unwavering spirit, their pivotal role in Guyana’s fight for freedom and democracy, and their remarkable contributions to the nation’s economic growth.
Referencing the diaspora as ‘Rashtradoots’ (ambassadors), PM Modi underscored their crucial role in preserving and promoting Indian culture and values globally. He emphasized the unique blessing of the Indo-Guyanese community, possessing both Guyana as their motherland and India as their ancestral home. With India’s current economic expansion creating numerous opportunities, PM Modi encouraged the diaspora’s active participation in strengthening India-Guyana ties. He reiterated the shared aspiration of building a brighter, collaborative future for both nations. Further reinforcing the connection, PM Modi extended invitations to the diaspora to participate in several upcoming events in India, including the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, a visit to the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, and the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Bhubaneswar. These invitations highlight a concerted effort to maintain and strengthen the bonds between India and its global citizens, particularly the vibrant Indo-Guyanese community.
