Port-of-Spain, Aug 19 - The Indian diaspora has an unquestionable commitment and concern towards the development of the Caribbean countries in which they stay and to the region as a whole, said a minister, adding 'this is their society where they have their own roots and which they have helped to shape'.

Senator Lenny Saith, minister in the Office of the Trinidad and Tobago's prime minister, lauded the Indian diaspora that forms 44 percent of the country's population, while speaking Sunday at a seminar organised by the Indian High Commission, Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, University of the West Indies, National Council of Indian Culture (NCIC) and Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO).

The theme of the seminar was 'Language and Cultural Heritage: Issues & Challenges for the Indian Diaspora'.

Saith said: 'They recognise India as their place of origin, acknowledge its positive ancestral influences, empathise with the challenges it faces from time to time, and take significant pride in its continuing progress and achievements.

'But their home is the Caribbean. This is seen in the unquestionable commitment and concern on the part of the diaspora to the development of their individual Caribbean countries and to the region as a whole.'

He went on to say that 'this is their society, where they have their own roots, which they have helped to shape, and which has nurtured their development and view of the world.'

'They are authentically people of the Caribbean who are also proud to trace their ancestry to one of humanity's earliest and enduring civilizations, one rich with achievement in all areas of human effort.'

D.N. Srivastava, joint secretary, Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, told the seminar that India and the world at large believe that persons of Indian origin settled abroad have very strong bonds with the land of their forefathers.

'Just like you, in the heart of your heart, feel proud of India's achievements and distinctions, we in India feel proud that you all, by virtue of your hard work and dedication have achieved a high place in the country of your residence and nationality.