Christine Kangaloo, the President of Trinidad and Tobago, praised India’s remarkable historical contributions to global development during her virtual address at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. Highlighting India’s innovations such as the establishment of the ancient Takshila University, the invention of zero, and advances in algebra and trigonometry, Kangaloo acknowledged the profound impact of Indian heritage on the world.
“India’s contributions to the world’s development are remarkable,” Kangaloo said. “The world’s first university is said to have been established in Takshila in 700 BC. The art of navigation is believed to have originated in the Sindhu river. Six thousand years ago, algebra, trigonometry, and calculus were first developed in India. India was the first civilisation to use zero as a symbol and in arithmetic operations. The game of chess and the decimal system are among India’s numerous gifts to the world. Furthermore, Shushruta, regarded as the father of surgery, is India’s own luminary.”
Kangaloo also reflected on the long-standing ties between India and Trinidad, which date back to 1845 when Indians first arrived on Trinidadian shores. “India was one of the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with Trinidad and Tobago following our independence in 1962. However, our ties with India precede that date by over a century,” she added.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Bhubaneswar, highlighting India’s rapid progress in the 21st century. PM Modi emphasised India’s potential to meet the global demand for skilled talent, asserting that India will remain a hub of young and skilled professionals for decades to come.
“India is progressing at an incredible speed and scale. The Indian diaspora plays a vital role in enhancing India’s global reputation. I feel immense pride when world leaders praise the social values upheld by Indians abroad,” PM Modi said. He reiterated the Indian government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and welfare of its diaspora during crises, terming it a guiding principle of India’s foreign policy.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi also addressed the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, shedding light on the state’s rich cultural heritage. Majhi described Odisha as a hub of diverse traditions, showcasing its contributions to classical arts like Odissi dance and Pattachitra paintings. “The intricate art of Pattachitra continues to enchant the world, and our handloom fabrics from Sambalpur are a vibrant testament to our cherished traditions,” he added.
The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, being held from January 8 to 10 in partnership with the Odisha government, celebrates the contributions of the Indian diaspora. This year’s theme, “Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat,” has attracted participants from over 50 countries, providing a vital platform to connect the diaspora with India’s developmental aspirations.
PM Modi received a grand welcome from Odisha CM Majhi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar upon his arrival in Bhubaneswar for the inauguration of the convention.
(Inputs from ANI)
