Sipu Jha
A debate in Guyana’s Parliament took an unexpected turn when Member of Parliament Vikash Ramkissoon responded in fluent Hindi after an opposition lawmaker questioned his knowledge of the language.The exchange began when an opposition member claimed that Ramkissoon did not understand Hindi. Seeking permission from the Speaker, he said he would respond in Hindi to address the remark directly.Addressing the House, Ramkissoon named the opposition member and issued an open challenge. He said he was ready to debate on any subject, at any venue chosen by his opponent, including on television, and that the discussion could be conducted entirely in Hindi without referring to notes or papers.“Vishey woh tay karein, main jawab dunga bina kagaz dekhey” (They decide the topic, I will respond without using a paper), he said.He delivered his remarks calmly but firmly, asserting that his fluency in Hindi required no defence. The moment drew attention from lawmakers present and soon resonated far beyond the chamber.The video was widely circulated on social media and has since garnered thousands of views. Many users praised Ramkissoon’s command, describing the moment as a strong example of cultural representation and linguistic diversity in governance.He further accused the opposition of using “coded language” to divide society, asserting that his party’s philosophy upholds equality before God. “That is the tradition I follow,” he said.Guyana has a significant population descended from Indian indentured labourers, and while English is the official language, Hindi continues to hold cultural importance among Indo-Guyanese communities.The comes amid renewed warmth in India–Guyana relations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Guyana in November 2024, the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister in over five decades, receiving an enthusiastic welcome from the Indo-Guyanese community. Cooperation between the two countries spans energy, healthcare, capacity-building and cultural exchange, forming part of India’s broader engagement with Caribbean nations.
Who Is Vikash Ramkissoon?
Vikash Ramkissoon is a Member of Parliament and Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture in the Co-operative Republic of Guyana. He was appointed to the ministerial role on September 13, 2025.Ramkissoon brings a background in finance, law and public service. He holds a Master of Commerce and Finance and a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Delhi. He later earned a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) with Distinction from the University of Guyana.Before becoming Minister, he served as Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture during Guyana’s Twelfth Parliament from 2020 to 2025. In that role, he worked closely with agricultural stakeholders, particularly in the Essequibo Islands–West Demerara region.Prior to entering public office, Ramkissoon built his career in banking and served as Branch Manager at Demerara Bank Limited, where he oversaw financial operations.As Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture, his role involves modernising and diversifying Guyana’s agricultural sector, strengthening food security.
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