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Port of Spain: Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Friday honoured with Trinidad and Tobago’s highest civilian honour, ‘ (honour) The Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago’. Modi, who is on a two-day visit to the Caribbean island nation in the second leg of his five-nation tour, was given the honour for his global leadership, his deep engagement with the Indian diaspora and his humanitarian efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.
What did PM Modi say?
PM Modi said, “I am proud to be honoured with the ‘Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago’. I accept it on behalf of 140 crore Indians. The award was announced on Thursday by Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamala Prasad Bissessar, who described Modi’s visit as a moment of shared pride and historic relationship.
PM Modi’s 25th international honour
This is the first bilateral visit of an Indian Prime Minister to Trinidad and Tobago since 1999. Modi arrived here from Ghana. PM Modi has become the first foreign leader to be honoured with ‘The Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago’ by the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. This is the 25th international honour given to Prime Minister Modi by a country. A day earlier in Ghana, Modi was honoured with the country’s national honour ‘The Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana’.
PM Modi dined on Sohari leaf
Earlier, PM Modi was served food on Sohari leaf during a dinner hosted by his counterpart Kamala Prasad-Bissesar of Trinidad and Tobago. PM Modi also posted some of his pictures on ‘X’, in which he is seen eating on Sohari leaf. Modi said in his post on ‘X’ that Sohari leaf holds great cultural significance for the people of Trinidad and Tobago, especially those who are of Indian origin. He said, “Food is often served on this leaf during festivals and other special events here.”
How many Hindus in Trinidad and Tobago?
Let us tell you that, Trinidad and Tobago is known for its diverse and multi-religious culture. According to the 2011 census, the Hindu population in this country is 18.2 percent, making it the second largest religious community in the country. The influence of Hinduism can be seen in Trinidad and Tobago since the 19th century, when Indian laborers were brought to work in sugarcane fields during British colonial rule. Since then the Hindu community has strongly maintained its cultural and religious identity.
