Local visits in Guyana

Lauding the work of Swami Akasharananda Ji in his efforts to deepen the India-Guyana cultural connect, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Saraswati Vidya Niketan Secondary School in Georgetown on November 21, 2024, and said that “Indian culture and traditions are thriving in Guyana”. In a post on social media platform X, PM Modi wrote: “Indian culture and traditions are thriving in Guyana. I had the opportunity to visit one such place which has been at the forefront of boosting cultural and people-to-people linkages -- the Saraswati Vidya Niketan School.”

He also said: “I commend all those associated with the school and also laud the work of Swami Akasharananda Ji in their efforts to deepen the India-Guyana cultural connect.” The Prime Minister also interacted with students of the school who gave him a warm welcome through bhajans and Kathak dance performances.

Saraswati Vidya Niketan is a school in Guyana that focuses on education and cultural activities, especially those related to Indian traditions. The cultural display highlighted the strong bond between India and the Indian diaspora in Guyana, showcasing the rich cultural heritage that continues to flourish in the Caribbean.

He also paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at the historic statue in Promenade Gardens. The Prime Minister spoke about Gandhi’s eternal values of peace and non-violence, noting that these principles continue to guide humanity today. The statue, installed in 1969, commemorates Gandhi’s 100th birth anniversary, serving as a lasting tribute to the global impact of his teachings.

He recalled Bapu’s eternal values of peace and non-violence which continue to guide humanity. PM Modi said that Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals and teachings transcend the country’s borders and it shows up in his revered tributes to the Mahatma during his multiple foreign trips. The reverence for Mahatma Gandhi extends beyond domestic initiatives, finding expression in PM Modi’s diplomatic engagements worldwide.

Till date, there have been numerous occasions where PM Modi paid tribute to the Mahatma on international soil, a testament to his effort to keep Gandhi’s legacy alive and relevant on the global stage.

Following this, PM Modi paid floral tribute at the Arya Samaj monument, which was unveiled in 2011 to mark the centenary of the Arya Samaj movement in Guyana. He lauded the efforts of the Arya Samaj movement and its role in preserving the Indian culture in Guyana as commendable. He mentioned that 2024 was also special as India celebrated the 200th birth anniversary of Swami Dayanand Saraswati, the founder of the Arya Samaj movement. In a post on X, PM Modi wrote: “In Georgetown, Guyana, paid tributes to the Arya Samaj monument. Their role in preserving our culture in Guyana is indeed commendable. This is also a very special year because we are marking the 200th Jayanti of Swami Dayanand Saraswati.” The Arya Samaj movement is a Hindu reform movement that promotes values like education, equality, and social reform.

Continuing his engagement with the Indian community, the Prime Minister participated in a ‘Ram Bhajan’ recitation, playing the ‘manjeera’ alongside the diaspora, further fostering the cultural ties between the two nations. The Ram Bhajan, a spiritual and religious activity dedicated to Lord Ram, is a popular form of devotion within the Indian community, especially among Hindus. The participation of Prime Minister Modi in this event served not only as a spiritual gesture but also as a symbol of unity and shared cultural heritage. The event was held in a public space, making it a religious occasion that was open to all, irrespective of background or faith. Many members of the local Indian community, as well as other residents of Georgetown, gathered to join in the prayers and hymns, making the event a celebration of Guyana’s multicultural society.

PM Modi’s involvement in this religious event reinforced the importance of cultural diplomacy in strengthening bilateral ties between India and Guyana. Throughout his visit, PM Modi put emphasis on the shared values of peace, harmony, and progress between the two nations. His visit to Guyana, part of a broader effort to foster closer ties with Caribbean countries, was aimed at enhancing cooperation in areas such as trade, development, and the diaspora. This gesture of participating in a Ram Bhajan further enriched the diplomatic engagement, as it was deeply connected with the Indian-origin population in the country.

PM Modi termed his visit—the first by an Indian PM to Guyana—as a “significant milestone” for the ties between the two countries. Expressing gratitude to Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali for the warm welcome, PM Modi acknowledged his personal connection to Guyana, having visited 24 years ago as a regular citizen.

The Prime Minister also visited the Indian Arrival Monument at Monument Gardens, where he was welcomed by an ensemble of Tassa Drums. Accompanied by Guyana’s Prime Minister Brigadier (Retd) Mark Phillips, PM Modi paid floral tribute at the monument, recognising the struggles and contributions of the Indian diaspora in preserving and promoting Indian culture in Guyana. In a symbolic gesture, he planted a Bel Patra sapling at the site. The monument is a replica of the first ship which arrived in Guyana in 1838 bringing indentured migrants from India. It was gifted by India to the people of Guyana in 1991.

Addressing Parliament

Earlier in his visit, PM Modi addressed a special session of the Guyanese Parliament, underscoring the deep, enduring relationship between India and Guyana. He described it as a bond of “soil, sweat, and diligence,” emphasising India’s approach to global cooperation.

“We have never moved forward with the idea of expansionism. We have always stayed away from the idea of resource capturing. I believe whether it is space or sea, this should be the subject of universal cooperation, not universal conflict,” he said.

PM Modi also stressed the importance of “democracy first and humanity first” as guiding principles for addressing global challenges. “The kind of situation that is there before the world, the best way to move forward is ‘democracy first and humanity first’. The idea of ‘democracy first’ teaches us to take everyone along and move forward with the development of everyone. The idea of ‘Humanity first’ decides the direction of our decisions,” he remarked.