Port of Spain/New Delhi, July 4 . Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced that Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards will be issued to citizens of Indian origin in Trinidad and Tobago, extending up to the sixth generation. This move will allow them to live and work in India without restrictions.
PM Modi lauded the Indian diaspora for their resilience, cultural richness, and significant contributions to Trinidad & Tobago. He also acknowledged the community’s continued efforts to preserve Indian cultural traditions.
To further strengthen these bonds, Prime Minister announced that OCI cards would now be issued to the 6th generation of the people of Indian origin people of Trinidad & Tobago. This special gesture was greeted with loud applause. Prime Minister also underscored that the Government of India would be supporting several initiatives to nurture the ‘Girmitiya’ legacy. Girmitiya was the name given those Indians who left the country in the middle and 19th century to serve as labour in the then British colonies
“Our decision on the sixth generation of the Indian diaspora in Trinidad & Tobago being issued OCI cards will strengthen their connection to India and preserve our shared heritage for future generations,” PM Modi said.
Addressing the Indian community in Port of Spain during his first visit to the Caribbean country as Prime Minister, PM Modi underlined the deep emotional and cultural ties that bind India with its diaspora.
“Today, I’m happy to announce that the OCI cards will be given to the sixth generation of the Indian diaspora in Trinidad and Tobago. We aren’t just connected by blood or surname. You are connected by belonging. India welcomes, and India embraces you!” PM Modi said.
PM Modi called upon the people of Indian origin to visit their ancestral land and deepen their connection and roots with India and not just be connected virtually via social media.
“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 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,” he said.
PM Modi also congratulated Trinidad and Tobago for becoming the first country in the region to adopt India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) system.
“I congratulate Trinidad and Tobago for being the first country in the region to adopt UPI. Now, sending money will be as easy as sending a Good Morning text message. I promise it will be faster than the bowling of the West Indies,” he said.
Highlighting India’s rapid growth, PM Modi said the country has emerged as the fastest-growing major economy and has successfully lifted millions out of poverty.
“India is the fastest-growing major economy in the world. Soon, we will be among the top three economies of the world. The fruits of India’s growth and progress are reaching the most needy. India has proved that we can defeat poverty by empowering the poor… The World Bank has noted that India has lifted over 250 million people above extreme poverty in the last decade. India’s growth is being powered by our innovative and energetic youth,” he said.
Prime Minister outlined India’s rapid development and transformation in the fields of infrastructure, digital technologies, manufacturing, green pathways, space, innovation and start-ups.
He highlighted that in the last one-decade India has made significant strides in promoting inclusive growth with over 250 million people lifted out of extreme poverty.
Highlighting various aspects of India’s growth story, he noted that the country would soon be among the top three economies in the world.
Prime Minister stressed, “National Missions on AI, Semiconductor and Quantum Computing were becoming new engines of the country’s growth. Underlining the success of UPI based digital payments in India, he expressed optimism that its adoption in Trinidad & Tobago would be equally encouraging. Reflecting on India’s age-old philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam , meaning the world is one family, vividly demonstrated during the Covid pandemic, he offered continued support to T&T in its pursuit of progress and nation making.”
The grand event was attended by over 4000 people and featured a captivating cultural programme performed by the artistes from the Mahatma Gandhi Institute for Cultural Cooperation and other organizations.
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