Port of Spain [Trinidad and Tobago], July 4 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his address to the Indian community in Trinidad and Tobago on Thursday, underlined Bihar's historic and cultural importance, praised the courage of the Indian diaspora, and called former Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar 'daughter of Bihar', as he recalled her ancestral ties to the state and requested her to offer water from the Sarayu and the Mahakumbh to the Ganga Dhara in the Caribbean nation.

'Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar's ancestors lived in Buxar, Bihar. Kamala ji herself has visited there. People consider her a daughter of Bihar,' PM Modi said.

'You all know that earlier this year, the world's largest spiritual gathering, the Mahakumbh, took place. I have the honour to carry water from the Mahakumbh with me. I request Kamala ji to offer the holy waters of the Sarayu river and Mahakumbh to the Ganga dhara here,' he added.

Bissessar had earlier visited her ancestral village Bhelupur under Itarhi block in Buxar district in 2012.

Addressing a large gathering of people of Indian origin, many of whom trace their roots to Bihar, PM Modi said, 'Many people present here have ancestors who came from Bihar itself. Bihar's heritage is a matter of pride not only for India but for the entire world.'

He also highlighted Bihar's contribution to global thought and progress. 'Be it democracy, politics, diplomacy, or higher education, centuries ago, Bihar showed the world new directions in many such fields,' he said.

Referring to the historical journey of the Girmitiya community, who were taken to British colonies in the 19th and early 20th centuries, the Prime Minister said, 'At the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, I announced several initiatives to honour and connect with the Girmitiya community across the world.'

Expressing confidence in Bihar's future role, PM Modi said, 'I am confident that even for the 21st-century world, new inspirations and opportunities will emerge from the land of Bihar.'

He also praised the Indian diaspora in Trinidad and Tobago for keeping Indian culture alive.

'They left Ganga and Yamuna behind but carried Ramayana in their heart. They left their soil but not their soul. They were not just migrants, they were messengers of a timeless civilisation. Their contribution has benefited this country culturally, economically and spiritually,' he said.

'The journey of the Indian community in Trinidad and Tobago is about courage. The circumstances your ancestors faced could have broken even the strongest of spirits. But they faced hardships with hope. They met problems with persistence,' PM Modi added.

This is his first visit to Trinidad and Tobago as Prime Minister and the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the Caribbean nation since 1999. The visit is taking place at the invitation of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. (ANI)