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Guyanese MP goes viral for Hindi parliamentary speech
Minister Vikash Ramkissoon, an alumnus of Delhi University, challenged members of the opposition to a debate in Hindi.
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Jeffin T. Kaleekal - Wed, 11, Feb 2026
- 02:56 EST
- 30
Vikash Ramkissoon, M.P. / Ministry of Agriculture, Government of Guyana
While language wars revolving around Hindi and Hindi imposition are common in the Indian parliament, the Guyanese parliament decided to not be left behind. As tensions flared around discussions on the country's budget, Minister Vikash Ramkissoon lambasted naysayers in Hindi after questions were raised on his ability to speak the language.
After seeking permission from the Speaker, Ramkissoon said he would respond in Hindi to address the remark directly. He named the opposition member, Vishnu Pandey, and issued a challenge, stating he would debate on any subject, at any venue chosen by his opponent, in Hindi without referring to notes.
He stated, “Mai abhi isi waqt unko chunauti deta hoon, kisi bhi star pae, kisi bhi jagah par ja karke, Vishay vo tay karenge, aur mai jakarke debate karunga bina kagaz le karke.”
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The video has gone viral on social media, especially in India, with users hailing him for not just his pronunciation but also for the fierceness he displayed in upholding the language.
Ramkissoon was appointed Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture in 2025. He holds a degree in Commerce from the University of Delhi, along with a Master of Commerce and Finance degree from the Delhi School of Economics. Additionally, he earned a Bachelor of Laws with Distinction from the University of Guyana.
Guyana is a diverse nation where people of East Indian origin make up approximately 39.8 percent of the population. Hindus constitute around 28–31 percent of the country's religious composition, depending on the source and census year. The significant Indian-origin community traces its roots to the British colonial era's indentured labour system, under which thousands of Indians were brought to Guyana to work on plantations from the 19th to early 20th century.
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