A recent session in the Parliament of Guyana took a notable turn when Vikash Ramkissoon, a Member of Parliament, delivered a fluent response in Hindi after an opposition member questioned his language skills. The exchange unfolded when a lawmaker from the opposition posited that Ramkissoon did not possess a proper understanding of Hindi, prompting him to seek permission from the Speaker to address the comment directly.
In a methodical manner, Ramkissoon identified the opposition member and issued a public challenge. He declared his readiness to debate any topic in any chosen venue, including television, entirely in Hindi and without relying on notes. His confident declaration, “Vishey woh tay karein, main jawab dunga bina kagaz dekhey” (They decide the topic, I will respond without using a paper), underscored his command of the language. His calm yet assertive demeanor captivated those present in the chamber and ignited greater interest beyond the walls of Parliament.
A Moment of Cultural Significance
The video of Ramkissoon’s response quickly gained traction across social media platforms, attracting thousands of views. The reaction from users was overwhelmingly positive, with many commending his ability to articulate in Hindi, viewing this moment as a reflection of cultural representation and linguistic diversity in governance. Additionally, he accused opposition members of employing “coded language” to create societal divisions, emphasizing that his party’s philosophy values equality before God.
Guyana maintains a substantial population of Indian descent, particularly from the era of indentured labor. Although English acts as the official language, Hindi retains significant cultural relevance, especially within the Indo-Guyanese community. The recent exchange in Parliament echoes the broader resonance of Hindi within the national context.
Strengthening Indo-Guyanese Relations
The interaction transpires against a backdrop of enhanced relations between India and Guyana. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Guyana in November 2024 marked a historical milestone; it was the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country in over fifty years. Modi received a warm reception from the Indo-Guyanese community, highlighting the enduring ties between the two nations.
Cooperation in various sectors, including energy, healthcare, and cultural exchange, is central to the partnership between India and Guyana. These efforts represent a part of India’s broader engagement strategy with Caribbean nations, aiming to foster mutual growth and development.
Who is Vikash Ramkissoon?
Vikash Ramkissoon currently serves as a Member of Parliament and holds the position of Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture in the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, having been appointed to the ministerial role on September 13, 2025. His professional background encompasses finance, law, and public service. He obtained a Master of Commerce and Finance along with a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Delhi, and later earned his Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) with Distinction from the University of Guyana.
Before his appointment as Minister, he served as Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture during the Twelfth Parliament of Guyana from 2020 to 2025. In this capacity, he collaborated closely with agricultural stakeholders, notably within the Essequibo Islands–West Demerara region. Earlier in his career, Ramkissoon worked in the banking sector, including a role as Branch Manager at Demerara Bank Limited, where he managed financial operations.
As Minister, his responsibilities include modernising and diversifying the agricultural sector in Guyana and enhancing food security measures to support the nation’s agrarian landscape.
