Her Excellency Christine Carla Kangaloo O.R.T.T., President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, has been named the Chief Guest for the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India. In addition, Her Excellency will be honoured with The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (PBSA)—the highest award conferred by the Republic of India on non-nationals.
This PBSA is awarded to Non-Resident Indians, Persons of Indian Origin (PIO), or institutions established by them, in acknowledgment of their exceptional achievements both in India and abroad. It is presented during the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention, an event which celebrates the contributions of the Indian diaspora to the world.
Unable to attend the event in person, Her Excellency gave a heartfelt message delivered virtually at the inaugural session of the PBD Convention on January 9, 2025. She expressed her deep pride and humility in being selected as the Chief Guest for the occasion. In her message, Her Excellency said, “I am deeply humbled at having been selected as your Chief Guest and for the honour of being bestowed the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award this year. I am humbled to now belong to the group of other awardees from Trinidad and Tobago, including former Prime Ministers Basdeo Panday and Kamla Persad-Bissessar; former government minsters, Winston Dookeran and Dr. Lenny Saith; High Court Judge Justice Frank Seepersad; and our National Council of Indian Culture. I am also humbled to join other Caribbean citizens who have also been bestowed this honour, including Sir Shridath Ramphal; the Honourable Bharat Jagdeo; Yesu Persaud; Kenneth Benjamin; Ramdien Sardjoe; and Guna Sekhar Muppuri – to name only a few”.
In her message, Her Excellency also emphasized the significant contributions of the Indian diaspora in Trinidad and Tobago, observing that the descendants of Indian immigrants “form nearly 42% of the total population of Trinidad and Tobago – the largest numerical presence of persons of Indian descent anywhere in the Caribbean – and constitute an integral part of the economic, political and social fabric of the country”.
Her Excellency also reflected on the long-standing, 180-year relationship between Trinidad and Tobago and India, acknowledging how much both countries have benefited from each other’s knowledge, experience and expertise. She shared that ties between the two countries are stronger today than they have ever been.
The 18th PBD Convention is a platform that unites people of Indian heritage worldwide, acknowledging their contributions and the ongoing connection between India and the global Indian community. As Her Excellency prepares to accept this prestigious award, her words serve as a powerful reminder of the unbreakable bond between India and Trinidad and Tobago, a bond that has been built on shared values, respect, and mutual support.
