Prime Minister Narendra Modi is back in India after concluding his five-nation tour, as part of which he visited Italy, the UAE, Netherlands, Sweden and Norway. The prime minister presented his counterparts and other dignitaries with special gifts that reflected the essence of India.
From silk stoles from Northeastern states of Assam and Manipur to Italy prime minister Giorgia Meloni, to a Madhubani painting from the Mithila region to Netherlands PM Rob Jetten, the gifts had a unique touch of India.
Gifts to Meloni and Mattarella
One of the most talked-about moments from the tour came during PM Modi’s meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The Prime Minister gifted her a pack of Melody toffees, sparking another wave of “#Melodi” memes and jokes across social media platforms.
Apart from the viral chocolates, Meloni also received two elegant stoles from Northeast India. One was a Muga Silk Stole from Assam. It is often called the ‘Golden Silk’ for its illustrious golden shine and remarkable longevity. The rare silk is produced only in the Brahmaputra valley and is woven without the use of chemical dyes.
The second was a Shirui Lily silk stole which took inspiration from the rare Shirui Lily found in Manipur.
Italian President Sergio Mattarella received a marble inlay box along with CDs of classical legends such as Pandit Bhimsen Joshi and MS Subbulakshmi. The box represents the Pietra Dura art of Agra’s craftsmen. The technique originally from Florence, also in Italy, was adopted by Indian craftsmen and is also used on the Taj Mahal.
Gifts for the UAE
The UAE is an important partner for India hosting the second highest population of the India diaspora.
To President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, PM Modi gifted a Rogan painting from his native Gujarat as well as Kesar Mangoes and Meghalaya Pineapples.
The gifts reflected India’s rich horticultural diversity and excellence as well as the skill and precision of Indian craftsmen.
Norway’s PM gets Sikkim's floral heritage
Norway’s leader Jonas Gahr Store was presented with a pressed orchid painting and orchid-themed paperweights, featuring real blooms from Sikkim. Sourced from India’s first organic state, the artwork highlighted the ecological richness of the Eastern Himalayas.
Madhubani painting, Meenakari, Kundan earrings in Netherlands
As PM Modi concluded his Netherlands trip, he presented the King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima with Blue Pottery and Meenakari and Kundan earrings, respectively, news agency ANI reported on Thursday.
The Blue Pottery finds its roots in Jaipur, Rajasthan and its artwork looks vibrant with intricate details in the blue and white colours. It is a GI-tagged art form crafted from a unique mixture of quartz powder, powdered glass, and Fuller's earth.
Meenakari and Kundan earrings on the other hand are a glowing symbol of Indian jewellery craftsmanship and is used very prominently in weddings and other events. In Meenakari, metal is enamled with coloured designs and Kundan jewellery is made from setting gemstones using highly refined gold foil.
Meanwhile, Netherlands PM Rob Jetten was presented with a Madhubani painting that finds prevalence in the Mithila region of Bihar. The art often depicts deities, nature, and scenes from everyday life through motifs.
Works by Tagore among gifts to Swedish PM
Rabindranath Tagore's vision and legacy was reflected in PM Modi's gifts to Swedish PM Ulf Kristersson. A handcrafted Shantiniketan messenger bag, Loktak Tea from the NorthEast, and the Ladakh Pure Wool Stole or Pashmina Shawl was among some gifts handed to PM Modi's Swedish counterpart.
Besides, a selection of works by Rabindranath Tagore was also included.
The Pashmina shawl is a very popular fabric in India which is naturally adapted to survive extreme cold. Besides, the Loktak tea is cultivated in the Northeast using traditional practices, and in chemical-free gardens.
