NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has wrapped up a five-nation tour, visiting the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Italy. Throughout this engagement, he presented a variety of culturally significant gifts to international leaders, showcasing India’s rich traditions in crafts, agriculture, and music.
During his visit to Rome, PM Modi gifted Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni two handpicked silk stoles: a Muga silk stole and a Shirui Lily silk stole.
Muga Silk Stole
Muga silk, recognized as ‘Golden Silk’ from Assam, is a rare handwoven textile originating from the Brahmaputra Valley. This silk is esteemed for its natural golden hue and durability, produced without artificial dyes, reflecting India’s sustainable textile traditions. Known for its strength and lustre that deepens over time, Muga silk symbolizes longevity.
Shirui Lily Stole
The Shirui Lily silk stole draws inspiration from the rare Shirui Lily, which blossoms exclusively on Manipur’s Shirui Kashong Peak. This flower is emblematic of purity and cultural identity for the Tangkhul Naga community. Its motif also resonates within European artistic traditions, such as Italy’s Renaissance period, where the lily represents grace and elegance.
Marble Inlay Box
Italian President Sergio Mattarella received a Marble Inlay Work Box along with CDs featuring Indian classical music from esteemed artists Pandit Bhimsen Joshi and MS Subbulakshmi. This marble box showcases the intricate craftsmanship of artisans from Agra who employ the traditional Pacchikari (Pietra Dura) technique. Interestingly, this art form has its origins in Florence, Italy, before flourishing in India under Mughal patronage, symbolizing a mutual artistic heritage.
India’s Finest Grains
PM Modi also presented a selection of India’s finest grains to Dr. Qu Dongyu, Director General of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. This collection featured Red Rice from Kerala, Gobindobhog rice from West Bengal, Basmati rice from the Indo-Gangetic plains, Joha rice from Assam, and Kalanamak rice from Uttar Pradesh, also known as ‘Buddha Rice’. These indigenous rice varieties highlight India’s agricultural biodiversity and cultural significance.
Millet Bars
In a bid to promote millets as climate-resilient superfoods, PM Modi also gifted healthy millet bars to Dr. Qu. Varieties such as jowar and bajra, commonly cultivated in Maharashtra, are rich in fiber and protein.
Shantiniketan Messenger Bag, Tagore Works, and Loktak Tea
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson received a handcrafted Shantiniketan messenger bag along with a selection of works by Rabindranath Tagore. The bag exemplifies the fusion of traditional folk motifs and modern aesthetics derived from Tagore’s vision of the ‘Abode of Peace’. Additionally, PM Modi presented Loktak Tea from Manipur, cultivated in chemical-free gardens that mirror the region’s biodiversity.
Ladakh Pure Wool
Another gift to the Swedish Prime Minister was a Ladakh Pure Wool Stole, also known as Pashmina. This luxurious wool, derived from the Changthangi goat, exemplifies sustainable craftsmanship and the cultural heritage of the Himalayan region.
Kalamkari, Pattachitra, and Himalayan Orchid Art
To Crown Prince Haakon of Norway, PM Modi gifted a Kalamkari painting featuring Sun and Moon motifs. This ancient textile art form from Andhra Pradesh symbolizes cosmic balance. Queen Sonja of Norway received a Palm Leaf Pattachitra from Odisha, which intricately narrates tales through engraved palm leaves. Furthermore, Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre was presented pressed orchid artworks made from Sikkim’s flora, emphasizing environmental sustainability.
Artistic Gifts
PM Modi presented a Kamal Talai Pichwai painting to Finland’s Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, a work that embodies themes of serenity and harmony with nature. UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan received a Rogan painting symbolizing interconnectedness, while Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen was given a Bidri silver work vase, showcasing Deccan metal craftsmanship.
PM Modi also gifted traditional Indian produce, including Kesar mangoes and Meghalaya pineapples, to UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed, emphasizing India’s agricultural diversity. Furthermore, he presented Gond paintings and the book Convenient Action: Continuity for Change to Sweden’s Crown Princess Victoria.
Madhubani, Blue Pottery, and Jewelry Gifts
PM Modi gifted a Madhubani painting featuring fish motifs to Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten. This GI-tagged folk art from the Mithila region is known for its geometric patterns and artistic roots. King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands received Blue Pottery from Jaipur, distinguished for its cobalt-blue designs. Queen Máxima was presented with Meenakari and Kundan earrings from Rajasthan, exemplifying traditional jewelry craftsmanship.
