NEW YORK (TIP): A grand welcome celebration for Ayodhya Shri Ram Lalla was organized by the Ayodhya Shri Ram Organisation of Trinidad & Tobago, in collaboration with Overseas Friends of Ram Mandir, New York, and supported by over 40 local organizations. The event coincided with the commemoration of 180 years since the arrival of East Indians to Trinidad & Tobago.

Thousands gathered to witness the unveiling of an exact replica of the Ram Lalla idol from Ayodhya, which had arrived from India especially for the occasion.

In a press release, Amit Alagh, Chairman of the Ayodhya Shri Ram Organisation, expressed pride in the massive turnout and the spiritual significance of the event.

The idol was jointly unveiled by Dr. Pradeep Singh Rajpurohit, Indian High Commissioner to Trinidad & Tobago, Prem Bhandari, Founder of Overseas Friends of Ram Mandir, New York & Chairman of Jaipur Foot USA, Swami Brahmswaroopanand Ji, who specially blessed the event, and Sieunarine Coosal, a prominent local leader and philanthropist.

Major Sponsors of the celebrations included Coosals Group of companies, Alagh Stores, Xtra Foods, Persad’s The Food Kings, Little Store, and R Ramdass & Co.

Dr. Rajpurohit, who served as the Chief Guest, delivered a heartfelt address referencing numerous verses from the Ramcharitmanas and Ramayan, emphasizing the eternal relevance of Shri Ram. He also congratulated newly re-elected Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, noting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India was the first global leader to congratulate her on her second term earlier this month.

In a major announcement, Dr. Rajpurohit shared that an artificial limb fitment camp (Jaipur Foot) will soon be organized in Trinidad & Tobago under the “India for Humanity” initiative by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. The camp, conducted by Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti (BMVSS) — the parent body of Jaipur Foot USA — will benefit over 800 differently-abled (Divyang) individuals across the country.

Prem Bhandari, who traveled from New York to attend the ceremony, stated:
“It doesn’t feel like I am in Trinidad — it feels like I am in Ayodhya. Even after 180 years, the faith of Indians in Trinidad in Sanatan Dharma is as deep and strong as that of Indians living in India or anywhere else in the world.”

He also highlighted that Trinidad is perhaps the only country where Ramayan chanting takes place daily, and noted the presence of one of the world’s tallest Hanuman Murtis, standing 85 feet tall, located right in Trinidad.

The celebrations included vibrant devotional singing by local groups as well as performers from India, creating an atmosphere of divine joy and unity.

The press release also recalled the massive turnout for previous spiritual events organized in collaboration with Overseas Friends of Ram Mandir, New York, including the Ayodhya Pran Pratishtha celebrations in January and Hanuman Chalisa chanting in April, both of which drew thousands of devotees.

Speaking with The Indian Panorama, on his return from Trinidad, Bhandari stated that “Trinidad Truly Deserves the Title “Ramayan Nagri”. “If Trinidad is called Ramayan Nagri, there should be no doubt about it. It is perhaps the only country outside India where daily Ramayan chanting takes place—either in temples or in private homes.”

He further added, “Very soon, we will see a grand temple dedicated to Ram Lalla in Trinidad. After witnessing the deep devotion of Trinidadians of Indian origin, I am confident that an Ayodhya Dham will emerge there. For devotees from the U.S. and Canada who are unable to travel to Ayodhya in India due to the long distance, Trinidad could become a spiritual destination for Ram Lalla’s darshan.”

Bhandari, who serves as Chairman of Jaipur Foot USA, also told The Indian Panorama that a Jaipur Foot camp for the differently-abled (Divyang) will soon be organized in Trinidad, as recently announced by India’s High Commissioner to Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Pradeep Singh Rajpurohit.

“Our founder, Padma Bhushan Shri D.R. Mehta, will be joining from India to support this noble initiative,” Bhandari shared. He praised the High Commissioner’s committed efforts in facilitating the upcoming camp. “Dr. Rajpurohit has already arranged my key meetings with Finance Minister Devendranath Tankoo, the Health Minister, Dr Lackram Bodoe, Mr Rishad Sricharan, Minister in the Ministry of Health and other senior government officials to ensure full logistical support for the camp,” he added.
Asked when the camp is being organized, Bhandari said the dates have not yet been firmed up, but it is expected to be organized in the next 3 to 4 months.