Prime Minister Narendra Modi Has said that culture, food and cricket deeply connect India and Guyana and these similarities are a strong basis of friendship between the two countries. Addressing a community event in Guyana on Thursday (November 21, 2024), Prime Minister Modi lauded the Indian-Guyanese community and its contribution to the development of the Caribbean nation.
He said that the shared values of the two countries provide a strong foundation for friendship. He said, ‘Especially three things – culture, food and cricket – deeply connect India and Guyana.’ Prime Minister Modi said that both the countries are proud of their rich and diverse culture.
He said, ‘We see diversity as a basis not just to accommodate, but to celebrate. Our countries show how cultural diversity is our strength. Prime Minister Modi highlighted that the Indian-Guyanese community has a unique food tradition that is a blend of both Indian and Guyanese elements.
Prime Minister Modi said, ‘Love for cricket also connects our countries. It’s not just a game. It is a way of life that is deeply embedded in our national identity. He said, ‘Many of our cricket fans enjoyed the T20 World Cup organized by you this year. Your enthusiasm could be heard in India also during the match of Team in Blue (Indian team) in Guyana.
Praising the Indian-Guyanese community, he said, ‘You have fought for freedom and democracy. You have worked to make Guyana one of the fastest growing economies. PM Modi described the migrant community as ambassadors of the nation and said that they are ambassadors of Indian culture and values.
Prime Minister Modi emphasized that the Indo-Guyanese community has the double fortune that Guyana is its motherland and Mother India is its ancestral land. Recalling his visit to Guyana two decades ago, Prime Minister Modi said that he had come to the country as a curious traveller. He said that a lot has changed since then but the love and affection of my brothers and sisters of Guyana remains the same. He said, ‘My experience has confirmed that you can take an Indian out of India but you cannot take India out of the mind of an Indian.’
PM Modi also highlighted the shared history connecting India and Guyana. He said, ‘Both countries struggled against colonial rule. There is love for democratic values and respect for diversity in both nations. Prime Minister Modi said, ‘We have a common future which we want to shape. We believe in the aspirations of development and progress, commitment to the economy and ecology, and a just and inclusive global order.