Prime Minister Narendra Modi receives the highest honour of Trinidad and Tobago

New Delhi (India) July 5: During his visit to Trinidad and Tobago, Prime Minister Narendra Modi received the nation's highest civilian honour, the Order of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago on Friday.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar of Trinidad and Tobago announced ,the honour. She praised PM Modi's visit as a moment of shared pride and strong historical ties.

PM Modi received the award in recognition of his humanitarian efforts during the Covid-19 pandemic, strong connections with the Indian international community, and significant global leadership.

PM Modi said, "Honoured to be conferred with ‘The Order of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago’. I accept it on behalf of 140 crore Indians." 

Modi said he accepted the honour on behalf of 1.4 billion Indians and described it as a representation of the "eternal and deep friendship" between the two nations.

Modi said, “One hundred and eighty years ago, those who came here from India laid the foundation of our friendship. Even though their hands were empty, their minds were rich in Indian civilization, culture and diversity.”

In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) admitted the Prime Minister's "distinguished statesmanship and influential global leadership" that earned him the award.

Modi also referred to Kangaloo and Persad-Bissessar as the Indian community's top brand ambassadors. He mentioned that the homeland of Saint Thiruvalluvar, Tamil Nadu, was where Kangaloo's ancestors came from.

On the second stop of his five-nation tour, PM Modi is presently in Trinidad and Tobago. This is the first time an Indian prime minister has visited the Caribbean country bilaterally since 1999, and it is his first visit as prime minister.

Wearing traditional Indian attire, Trinidad & Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and her entire cabinet greeted Prime Minister Modi at the Piarco International Airport.

There were cultural performances all over the airport, including appearances by people dressed as Indian mythological figures. The cultural events went on until PM Modi arrived at the hotel where the Indian community greeted him with traditional Bhojpuri Chautaal rhythms, an orchestra performance and chants of "Bharat Mata Ki Jai" and "Modi, Modi."

PM Modi also declared that sixth-generation Indian citizens will now be able to apply for Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) cards which will allow them to now live and work in India.

Aadrika Tayal