Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently took to the airwaves during the 116th episode of his monthly radio program, Mann Ki Baat, to discuss the invaluable contributions of the Indian diaspora, celebrating their achievements and highlighting their enduring connection to India. Notably, he referred to Guyana as ‘Mini India’ due to its significant Indian-origin population excelling across various sectors, including business, politics, and culture.
Addressing listeners, PM Modi reflected on the historical ties between India and Guyana, reminding everyone how generations ago, many Indians were brought to the Caribbean nation to work, and now those very descendants have integrated and thrived. He noted, “About 180 years ago, people from India were taken to Guyana to work as laborers...Today, people of Indian origin in Guyana are leading in every field of politics, business, education, and culture.” Guyana's own President, Dr. Irfan Ali, who shares this Indian heritage, was also recognized for his pride in roots extending back to India.
But it wasn't just Guyana where PM Modi saw historical roots; he pointed out the unique stories of Indian immigrants worldwide, narrations which span decades, encapsulating their journeys, struggles, and contributions to the communities they call home. The Prime Minister urged people to share their own stories using the hashtag #IndianDiasporaStories on the NaMo App or the MyGov platform.
One particularly rich example he shared was about Indian families living in Oman. These families have settled there for hundreds of years and have established longstanding trade links. PM Modi revealed, “Numerous Indian families, most of them from Kutch in Gujarat...With the support of the Indian Embassy in Oman and the National Archives of India, a team has been working on preserving their history.” This initiative is collecting thousands of valuable historical documents, some as old as 1838, showcasing their contributions and relationships over the years with Omani locals.
Expanding on Indian heritage, PM Modi also mentioned efforts underway to preserve the stories of partition survivors, underlining the importance of narrative history to future generations. He noted the existence of oral history projects aiming to document these precious experiences before they fade away.
Not only did he focus on the diaspora's present, but Modi also highlighted cultural advancements back home, mentioning Slovak translations of ancient Indian texts like the Upanishads. This translated work, he emphasized, signifies the global reach of Indian culture and the respect it commands worldwide. “There are crores of people around the world who have India in their hearts,” he stated, reflecting pride and connectivity.
Within this conversation on connectivity, PM Modi announced significant developments pertaining to India’s own history and maritime prowess by underscoring the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) being built at Lothal, home to the world’s first dockyard from the Harappan civilization. He stressed, “Lothal is a proud symbol of India’s maritime brilliance and ancient trading capabilities.” This ambitious project intends to celebrate India's 5,000-year maritime history by offering interactive exhibits and educational programs.
During the same address, he shared exciting details about the NMHC's progress, with the initial phases showing promising developments. The anticipated museum is set to serve as a global hub for maritime history, aiming to attract visitors and educate them about India’s rich past on seas and trade.
While fostering pride among the Indian community worldwide, this Mann Ki Baat conversation also delves deep within India’s historical narrative, encouraging citizens not just to appreciate but also participate actively by collecting and preserving historical records, artifacts, and stories. Modi urged every individual to contribute to preserving the nation’s rich past, asserting, “A nation which preserves its history secures its future.”
The outreach reflects the Modi administration's dedication to connecting with its citizens worldwide, recognizing their histories, and working innovatively to document, celebrate, and preserve them for future generations. This Mann Ki Baat not only embraced the spirit of nationalism but also deepened the bond between Rhoda, Guyana, the Indian diaspora, and their ancestral home.
