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In a remarkable cultural initiative, a small Caribbean nation of just 1.4 million people – where Christians make up nearly 65% of the population – is preparing to build a magnificent Ram Mandir in its capital city. With a thriving Hindu community of around 350,000,Trinidad and Tobago is positioning itself as a spiritual and cultural beacon for Hinduism in the Western Hemisphere. (File Photo) Often referred to as “Ramayana Country”, this twin-island nation has long preserved Hindu traditions brought by Indian indentured labourers in the 19th century. (Image: Wikimedia Commons) Practices like Ramayana recitation and Bhagwata storytelling have flourished across generations, keeping the cultural flame alive far from India’s shores. (File Photo) The government has voiced strong support for the temple’s construction, with Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath confirming ongoing discussions with religious leaders. These include those who helped bring a replica of the Ram Lalla idol from Ayodhya earlier this year, a symbolic gesture that drew thousands of devotees and marked a turning point in the nation’s spiritual journey. (Image: Facebook) “The Ram Lalla initiative is something that we welcome. It is something we support,” Padarath stated, underscoring the administration’s commitment to the project. (File Photo) The idea of building a “Mini Ayodhya” was proposed by Prem Bhandari, founder of the Overseas Friends of Ram Mandir in New York. His vision is to create a spiritual hub – Ayodhya Nagari – that caters to North American devotees who may not be able to travel to India. The proposal was presented to Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, and has since gained momentum. (File Photo) The unveiling of the Ram Lalla replica in May 2025, organized by Bhandari and Amit Alagh, chair of the Ayodhya Shri Ram Organisation in the country, attracted over 10,000 worshippers, signaling widespread enthusiasm for the temple project. (File Photo) More than just a place of worship, the upcoming Ram Mandir is envisioned as a multifunctional cultural centre, a space for spiritual learning, community gatherings, festivals, and intergenerational education. It aims to serve as a living tribute to the resilience of Hindu traditions and the global reach of India’s spiritual heritage. This initiative marks a powerful moment in the Caribbean’s cultural evolution—where faith, history, and identity converge to build something truly timeless. (File Photo)
