Guyana Parliament Debate Takes Unexpected Turn With Hindi Response
A parliamentary debate in Guyana transformed into a remarkable display of linguistic prowess when Member of Parliament Vikash Ramkissoon delivered a fluent Hindi response to silence opposition critics. The exchange began when an opposition lawmaker questioned Ramkissoon's understanding of Hindi, prompting the MP to seek Speaker's permission for an unconventional reply.
From Challenge to Mic-Drop Moment
Addressing the House directly, Ramkissoon named his opponent and issued an open challenge. "Vishey woh tay karein, main jawab dunga bina kagaz dekhey" (They decide the topic, I will respond without using a paper), he declared confidently. The MP emphasized his readiness to debate any subject at any venue chosen by his opponent, including television appearances, with the entire discussion conducted entirely in Hindi without referring to notes or prepared papers.
Ramkissoon delivered his remarks with calm authority, asserting that his fluency in Hindi required no defense. The powerful moment immediately captured attention within the parliamentary chamber and soon resonated far beyond its walls through viral social media circulation.
Social Media Amplification and Cultural Significance
The video of Ramkissoon's Hindi response quickly gained traction across multiple platforms, accumulating thousands of views and widespread engagement. Social media users praised the MP's linguistic command, describing the incident as:
- A strong example of cultural representation in governance
- A demonstration of linguistic diversity in political discourse
- A powerful rebuttal to attempts at cultural marginalization
Ramkissoon further accused the opposition of employing "coded language" to divide society, while affirming his party's philosophy of equality before God. "That is the tradition I follow," he stated firmly, connecting his personal values to broader principles of inclusion.
Historical and Diplomatic Context
This parliamentary moment occurs against significant historical and diplomatic backdrops. Guyana maintains a substantial population descended from Indian indentured laborers, with Hindi retaining important cultural significance among Indo-Guyanese communities despite English serving as the official language.
The incident coincides with renewed warmth in India-Guyana relations, highlighted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's November 2024 visit to Guyana—the first by an Indian Prime Minister in over five decades. Modi received enthusiastic welcomes from the Indo-Guyanese community during this landmark diplomatic engagement.
Current cooperation between India and Guyana spans multiple sectors including:
- Energy development and resource management
- Healthcare infrastructure and medical collaboration
- Capacity-building programs and educational exchanges
- Cultural preservation and artistic partnerships
These collaborative efforts form part of India's broader strategic engagement with Caribbean nations, strengthening ties through shared heritage and mutual development goals.
About Vikash Ramkissoon: Background and Qualifications
Vikash Ramkissoon serves as a Member of Parliament and Minister within Guyana's Ministry of Agriculture, appointed to his ministerial role on September 13, 2025. His professional background reflects impressive academic and practical credentials:
Educational Foundation: Ramkissoon holds a Master of Commerce and Finance along with a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Delhi. He further enhanced his qualifications with a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) earned with Distinction from the University of Guyana.
Political Trajectory: Before assuming his ministerial position, Ramkissoon served as Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture during Guyana's Twelfth Parliament from 2020 to 2025. In this capacity, he worked closely with agricultural stakeholders, particularly in the Essequibo Islands–West Demerara region, developing hands-on understanding of sector challenges.
Private Sector Experience: Prior to entering public office, Ramkissoon built substantial expertise in banking, serving as Branch Manager at Demerara Bank Limited where he oversaw comprehensive financial operations and management responsibilities.
Current Ministerial Focus: As Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture, Ramkissoon's portfolio involves modernizing and diversifying Guyana's agricultural sector while strengthening national food security through innovative policies and sustainable practices.
This parliamentary episode demonstrates how linguistic heritage can intersect with political discourse, creating moments that transcend routine debate to highlight deeper issues of cultural identity, representation, and the evolving nature of diplomatic relationships in our interconnected global landscape.
