India working to create dedicated Girmitiya Studies Centre on PM Modi’s directions: EAM Jaishankar

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has stated that an MoU for Cooperation between the National Archives of India and Trinidad and Tobago would help many of the people in the Caribbean country in tracing their ancestral roots and reconnecting with their families in India.

Jaishankar on Saturday visited Nelson Island, the historic site where the first Girmitiyas arrived in Trinidad and Tobago.

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While it is generally known that a Girmitiya is a descendant of Indian Indentured labourers to Fiji, the Indian Diaspora Council International has defined a Girmitiya as a descendant of all Indian Indentured labourers who were taken from India to several British, Dutch, and French colonies during the period 1826-1920 under the system of indentured labour.

The External Affairs Minister joined Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar for a Quick Impact Project on Nelson Island.

In a post on X, Jaishankar said, “Joined PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar for a Quick Impact Project on Nelson Island, where the first Indians arrived in Trinidad and Tobago. Supported by Indian assistance, this will preserve and showcase the shared heritage of an enduring journey.”

The External Affairs Minister also said, “Honoured to travel with PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar to Nelson Island where the Girmitiyas first arrived.”

Addressing a gathering at Nelson Island, Trinidad and Tobago, the External Affairs Minister said in India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi attaches a high importance to creating a database of the Girmitya community and conducting research on this legacy.

“On Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s directions, we are working to create a dedicated Girmitiya Studies Centre,” the External Affairs Minister stated.

“I am glad that an MoU for Cooperation between the National Archives of India and of Trinidad and Tobago was signed yesterday. I am hopeful that this would help many of the people here in tracing their ancestral roots and reconnecting with their families in India,” he said.

Jaishankar mentioned that he was very glad to join the launch of a Quick Impact Project for the upgradation of cultural heritage on Nelson Island with grant assistance from India. This includes a memorial monument, creating a digital hub of historical data of the national archive, and setting up a digital audio-visual experience, he stated.

“It is indeed a great pleasure to be here today at the historic Nelson Island, and it is here that the first step in the history of India and Trinidad and Tobago was taken 180 years ago. Coming here, it is only natural that our thoughts turn to how those courageous people must have faced their very difficult circumstances and built new lives. Today we salute their fortitude, their determination, and their resolve,” Jaishankar said in his remarks.