From silk shawls from the northeastern states, to Madhubani painting from Mithila region, Prime Minister Modi’s gifts had a uniquely Indian touch.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi returned to India after concluding his five-nation tour, during which he visited Italy, the United Arab Emirates, the Netherlands, Sweden and Norway. The Prime Minister presented his counterparts and other dignitaries with special gifts that reflected the essence of India.
From silk shawls from the northeastern states of Assam and Manipur to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, to a Madhubani painting from Mithila district to Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten, the gifts had a uniquely Indian touch.
A look at who got what:
Madhubani painting, meenakari, kundan earrings in Holland
As Prime Minister Modi concluded his trip to Netherlands, he presented King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima with Blue Pottery, Meenakari and Kundan earrings, respectively, news agency ANI reported on Thursday.
Blue pottery has its roots in Jaipur, Rajasthan, and its artwork looks vibrant with intricate blue and white details. It is a GI marked art form made from a unique blend of quartz powder, glass powder and fuller’s earth.
On the other hand, Meenakari and Kundan earrings are a glowing symbol of Indian jewelery craftsmanship and are prominently used in weddings and other occasions. In Meenakari, the metal is plated with colorful designs and Kundan jewelery is made with gemstone setting using high-fine gold foil.
Meanwhile, Dutch Prime Minister Rob Gitten received the Madhubani plaque which is dotted in Bihar’s Mithila district. The art often depicts gods, nature, and scenes from daily life through motifs.
Muga Silk, Shiroy Lily Silk Shawl by Meloni
There was a touch of the North East in Prime Minister Modi’s gifts to his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni. The Prime Minister gifted her two sashes, one made of Muga silk in Assam and the other made of Shiroi silk in Manipur.
Muga silk is known for its natural golden luster, strength, long-lasting quality, and sustainability, because it is made without any artificial dyes.
Meanwhile, Shirui Lily silk from Manipur is inspired by a rare flower that flourishes only in the hills of the northeastern state. For the Tangkul Naga community, the flower represents purity, identity and cultural pride. The lily also has a special meaning in Italy, where it symbolizes purity, grace and artistic beauty, creating a cultural connection between the two countries.
CDs by Himsen Joshi, MS Subbulakshmi
In Italy, President Sergio Mattarella also received a special gift from Prime Minister Modi – a marble-encrusted work box with CDs by Pandit Bhimsen Joshi and MS Subbulakshmi. The box itself was made with Agra craftsmanship. An artwork called pachikari, which was popular in Florence, Italy, was used before it flourished in India under royal patronage, ANI reported.
Prime Minister Modi gifted the following items to the Director General of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Italy:
- Red rice from Keralam
- Gobindubhoj rice from West Bengal
- Basmati rice from the Indo-Gangetic plains
- Guha Rice from Assam
- Kalnamak rice from UP
- Millet from Maharashtra
Tagore’s works among gifts to the Swedish Prime Minister
Rabindranath Tagore’s vision and legacy were reflected in the gifts given by Prime Minister Modi to Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson. A handcrafted Shantiniketan bag, Loktak tea from the North East, and a pure wool Ladakh shawl or pashmina shawl were among some of the gifts delivered to PM Modi’s Swedish counterpart.
In addition, a selection of Rabindranath Tagore’s works are also included.
Pashmina shawl is a very popular fabric in India and is naturally adaptable to extreme cold. Besides, Loktak tea is grown in the Northeast using traditional practices and in chemical-free gardens.
