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Ramkissoon’s challenge in Parliament has become a symbol of pride for many in the diaspora
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It shows that Hindi continues to thrive far beyond India’s borders and remains a strong medium for expression, identity and even political debate in distant parts of the world
A rare and memorable moment unfolded in the Parliament of Guyana when Hindi echoed through the House during the Budget 2026 debate. Indian-origin Minister of State for Agriculture Vikash Ramkissoon delivered a confident reply in fluent Hindi, surprising both lawmakers and viewers across the world.
The incident began when opposition MP Vishnu Pandey questioned Ramkissoon’s ability to speak Hindi, apparently expecting an awkward response. Instead, the minister stood up and spoke in clear, pure Hindi, challenging his critics to debate with him on any topic, at any place, without using any prepared notes. His bold statement left many members stunned and quickly became a talking point on social media.
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The Indian High Commission in Georgetown praised the moment, sharing it with pride as a sign of Hindi’s global presence and cultural strength
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Many observers have described the episode as a powerful reminder of the Indian diaspora’s connection to its linguistic and cultural roots
Ramkissoon’s background reflects this deep connection. He holds a master’s degree in commerce from Delhi University and has expertise in law. Before entering politics, he built a successful career in the banking sector. His journey from academia and finance to politics has made him a prominent figure in Guyana’s public life.
Guyana has a large population of Indian origin, with about 40 percent of its citizens tracing their ancestry to labourers who migrated from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar between 1838 and 1917. Over generations, the community has preserved elements of Indian culture, including language, traditions and festivals.
