In a heartfelt gesture of cultural pride and global connection, Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently addressed the Indian diaspora in Trinidad and Tobago, where he fondly referred to the island nation’s leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar as “Bihar Ki Beti”—a daughter of Bihar.
Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who has been re-elected as the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago in 2025, proudly traces her ancestral roots back to Bhelupur village in Bihar’s Buxar district. Her story is one of inspiration, grit, and the enduring strength of heritage.
From Labourer’s Daughter to National Leader
Kamla’s family history is deeply rooted in India’s migration story. Her grandparents were brought to Trinidad in the 1880s as indentured labourers. Her father worked as a bookkeeper, while her mother toiled as a labourer and later ran a small roti shop in a Texaco compound. Despite the odds, Kamla’s mother instilled in her strong values of resilience and independence.
Academic Brilliance and Political Rise
Born in the rural town of Siparia in southern Trinidad, Kamla’s journey from a small village girl to a globally recognized leader is nothing short of extraordinary. She earned multiple degrees in Arts, Law, and Business across Jamaica, England, and Trinidad, before beginning her career as a teacher, social worker, and lawyer.
Her political journey began in 1987, and by 2010, she shattered glass ceilings by becoming the first female Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago. After serving multiple terms in Parliament and various ministerial roles—including Education, Legal Affairs, and Attorney General—Kamla reclaimed the PM post in 2025, marking a powerful political comeback.
Cultural Bonds with India
To honour her Indian roots, PM Modi gifted her a replica of the Ram Mandir, Saryu River water, and holy Mahakumbh water, reflecting the spiritual and cultural ties between India and its diaspora.
Kamla’s life stands as a shining example of how deep cultural roots, combined with hard work and vision, can lead to global leadership. Today, she is not just a Caribbean icon but a symbol of India’s global legacy—a woman who turned her humble beginnings into a story of power, pride, and perseverance.