Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday urged the Indian diaspora in Trinidad and Tobago to visit India, the land of their ancestors, and walk on the soil they once walked, saying that the people back home will welcome them with open arms and jalebi.
His remarks came during his address to the community in the island nation after he received a rousing welcome from his counterpart, Kamla Persad Bissessar, who was referred to as the “daughter of Bihar” given her ancestral ties to India.
“I encourage all of you to visit India more in person, and not just virtually via social media. Visit the villages of your ancestors. Walk on the soil they walked on. Bring your children and neighbours. Bring anyone who enjoys ‘chai’ and a good story. We will welcome all of you with open arms, warm hearts, and jalebi,” the PM said.
He also invited Bissessar to visit the Mahakumbh.
“Kamla ji’s ancestors hailed from Buxar in Bihar, and she has even visited the place herself. People regard her as a daughter of Bihar,” he said. “I had the honor of bringing water from the Mahakumbh with me. I request Kamla ji to offer this holy water from the Sarayu River and the Mahakumbh to the Ganga Dhara here,” he added.
Bissessar had previously visited her ancestral village, Bhelupur in the Itarhi block of Buxar district, in 2012.
