By Prime Minister Kamla
Prime Minister Narendra Modi鈥檚 official visit to Trinidad and Tobago this week was more than just a diplomatic engagement; it was a heartfelt reunion with the past and a celebration of shared cultural roots.The trip brought back memories of his early political journey, including a touching moment from 1998 shared by industrialist ML Mittal.鈥淚 first met Narendra Modi ji in New York in 1998鈥︹ Mittal recalled.At the time, Modi was a BJP leader visiting New York with a few RSS members. Mittal hosted them at his modest four-bedroom flat. Despite being offered the host鈥檚 own room or a hotel stay, Modi humbly chose to sleep in a small utility room used for ironing clothes.鈥淗e came with some RSS workers and stayed in my apartment, which had just four bedrooms. I insisted that Modiji take my room or I would arrange a hotel for him. He refused. Instead, he chose to sleep in a small utility room used for ironing clothes. It had no air conditioning and no attached bathroom, but he said it was perfect for him,鈥 Mittal fondly recalled.Live EventsCeremonial Welcome in Port of SpainModi began his visit to Trinidad and Tobago with a ceremonial Guard of Honour at Piarco International Airport. He was welcomed warmly by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, 38 ministers, and four Members of Parliament. A lively crowd danced to the beat of traditional drums, combining local and Indian cultural performances to greet him.Modi shared the moments on social media platform X, writing, 鈥淢ay the friendship between India-Trinidad & Tobago flourish in the times to come! Highlights from a special welcome in Port of Spain.鈥滾ater that evening, PM Modi attended a traditional dinner hosted by Kamla Persad-Bissessar, where food was served on Sohari leaves. He noted how the leaf holds deep cultural meaning for Trinidadians of Indian origin, as it鈥檚 commonly used during festivals and religious gatherings.In his post, he wrote, 鈥淭he dinner hosted by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar had food served on a Sohari leaf, which is of great cultural significance to the people of Trinidad & Tobago, especially those with Indian roots.鈥滵uring the dinner, PM Modi presented Bissessar with a replica of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, along with holy water from the Saryu River and from the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj.He said, 鈥淭hey symbolise the deep cultural and spiritual bonds between India and Trinidad & Tobago.鈥漃M Modi also addressed members of the Indian community in Port of Spain. He was joined by Kamla Persad-Bissessar, whose presence made the event even more memorable. Modi thanked her for her kind words and her commitment to strengthening ties between the two countries.In his words, 鈥淭oday’s community programme in Port of Spain was made even more special by the distinguished presence of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar.鈥滻nputs from agencies (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)
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(You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)Read More News onpm modi trinidad 1998modi hotel refusalmodi cramped room storymodi no ac no bathroommodi early strugglesmodi trinidad visitmodi humble staymodi 1998 memorymodi inspiring storymodi business tycoon recall(Catch all the Business News, Breaking News, Budget 2025 Events and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Subscribe to The Economic Times Prime and read the ET ePaper online….moreless
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