- Vikash Ramkisoon responded in fluent Hindi to challenge doubts about his language skills in Parliament
- He offered to debate any topic in Hindi without notes on any TV channel, accepting an open challenge
- The exchange gained attention from the Indian-origin community in Guyana and internationally on social media
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.
The exchange began when an opposition member claimed that Ramkisoon did not understand Hindi. Seeking permission from the Speaker, Ramkisoon said he would respond in Hindi to address the remark directly.
Addressing the House, he named the opposition member and issued an open challenge. Ramkisoon said he was ready to debate on any subject, at any place, chosen by his opponent. He added that the debate could be held on any television channel and would be conducted entirely in Hindi, without reading from 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 stressed that he would speak freely and confidently in the language, countering claims that he lacked proficiency. His remarks were delivered calmly but firmly, drawing attention from lawmakers present in the chamber.
Ramkisoon's statement quickly gained attention outside Parliament as well, particularly among members of the Indian-origin community in Guyana and abroad.
The video, first posted on the official X handle of the High Commission of India in Georgetown, Guyana, was quickly reshared by multiple accounts and has since garnered thousands of views. Many users praised the MP's fluency, with one commenting that questioning his Hindi was unnecessary as he responded effortlessly without referring to any notes, calling the matter "settled." Another user lauded the moment, saying it was commendable to see MP Vikash Ramkisoon demonstrate his language skills in Parliament, adding that such instances highlight the importance of cultural representation and linguistic diversity in governance.
During his speech, Ramkisoon went further, displaying a copy of Ramcharitmanas edited and translated by scholar RC Prasad, published by Motilal Banarsidass. He accused an opposition member of misquoting the sacred text and misunderstanding the language used by Tulsidas, explaining that the original verses were composed in Awadhi, not standard Hindi. He then offered correct interpretations in both Hindi and Sanskrit, emphasizing universal values of equality and compassion.
Framing the issue beyond language, Ramkisoon accused the opposition of using "coded language" to divide society, asserting that his party's philosophy teaches that all individuals are equal in the eyes of God. "That is the tradition I follow," he said, linking linguistic respect with social harmony.
Guyana has a significant population descended from Indian indentured labourers, and Hindi remains culturally important, even though English is the country's official language.
Vikash Is a Delhi University Alumnus
Vikash, a Delhi University (DU) alumnus with a Master's in Commerce and Finance and a Bachelor's in Commerce, delivered his remarks with confidence, underscoring that his command of Hindi is not just academic but rooted in his cultural identity. Since assuming office on September 13, 2025, Ramkissoon has increasingly positioned himself as a cultural bridge between India and Guyana, emphasising their shared heritage and linguistic ties.
The episode comes at a time when India-Guyana relations are enjoying renewed warmth. In November 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid a landmark visit to Guyana, the first by an Indian PM in more than five decades. PM Modi received an enthusiastic welcome from the Indo-Guyanese community, with cultural performances, chants, and public events reflecting strong emotional and historical bonds between the two nations.
India and Guyana share cooperation in energy, health, capacity-building, and cultural exchange, with New Delhi increasingly engaging Caribbean nations as part of its Global South outreach. Against this backdrop, Ramkissoon's Hindi speech struck a chord in India, symbolizing how language and heritage continue to bridge oceans.
What began as a parliamentary face-off has now turned into a viral affirmation of shared history, one that resonated far beyond the walls of Guyana's National Assembly.
