A debate in Guyana’s Parliament took an unexpected turn when Member of Parliament Vikash Ramkisoon responded in fluent Hindi after an opposition lawmaker questioned his knowledge of the language. Reported by: Aditya Raj Kaul from NDTV.
The exchange began when an opposition member claimed Ramkisoon did not understand Hindi. After seeking permission from the Speaker, he chose to reply in Hindi to directly address the remark.
Speaking in the House, Ramkisoon named the opposition member and issued an open challenge, saying he was ready to debate on any subject, at any venue chosen by his opponent. He added that the debate could take place on any television channel and would be conducted entirely in Hindi, without referring to notes.
'Vishey woh tay karein, main jawab dunga bina Kagaz dekhey' (They decide the topic, I will respond without using a paper), he said.
Delivering his remarks calmly but firmly, Ramkisoon rejected suggestions that he lacked proficiency in the language. His speech quickly drew attention both inside and outside Parliament.
The video, first shared by the High Commission of India in Georgetown on X, was widely reshared and gained thousands of views. Many praised his fluency, with users noting that he spoke confidently without reading from notes. Others described the moment as a strong display of cultural representation and linguistic diversity in governance.
During his address, Ramkisoon also displayed a copy of Ramcharitmanas edited and translated by scholar RC Prasad and published by Motilal Banarsidass.
He accused an opposition member of misquoting the sacred text and clarified that the original verses by Tulsidas were written in Awadhi rather than standard Hindi. He then offered explanations in both Hindi and Sanskrit, highlighting themes of equality and compassion.
Broadening the issue beyond language, Ramkisoon accused the opposition of using “coded language” to create division. He said his party’s philosophy promotes equality before God and social harmony. "That is the tradition I follow," he stated.
Guyana has a large population descended from Indian indentured labourers, and while English is the official language, Hindi continues to hold cultural significance.
Ramkisoon is an alumnus of University of Delhi, holding a Master’s degree in Commerce and Finance as well as a Bachelor’s in Commerce. Since taking office on September 13, 2025, he has increasingly positioned himself as a bridge between India and Guyana, highlighting shared heritage and linguistic ties.
The episode comes amid warming relations between India and Guyana. In November 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Guyana — the first visit by an Indian prime minister in over five decades — receiving a warm welcome from the Indo-Guyanese community.
India and Guyana cooperate in areas such as energy, healthcare, capacity-building and cultural exchange. Against this backdrop, Ramkisoon’s Hindi speech resonated widely in India, symbolising enduring cultural connections across continents.
What began as a parliamentary exchange has since become a viral moment celebrating shared history, identity and language beyond the walls of Guyana’s National Assembly.
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