PM Modi’s Thoughtful Gifts Reflect India's Rich Tradition on 3-Nation Tour
During his recent diplomatic journey to Cyprus, Canada, and Croatia, coinciding with the G7 summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented a curated collection of Indian handicrafts and artworks to world leaders. These gifts not only symbolize India's cultural wealth but also serve as elegant tokens of friendship and respect.
Symbolic Sculptures and Artifacts
- Brass Bodhi Tree to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney: Handcrafted in Bihar, this brass sculpture embodies spiritual awakening, inspired by the sacred tree where Buddha attained enlightenment. The silver pot it stands on features intricate floral and paisley engravings by skilled local artisans, blending aesthetics with tradition.
- Dokra Nandi for French President Emmanuel Macron: A brass bull from Tamil Nadu, fashioned through the ancient lost-wax casting technique, symbolizing Lord Shiva’s devotion. Its open latticework and detailed embellishments celebrate India’s artisanal legacy.
- Sandstone Konark Wheel to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz: A natural sandstone replica of the 13th-century Konark Wheel, renowned as a sundial and emblem of cosmic time. Carved with motifs of deities and dancers, this piece reflects Odisha’s master craftsmanship.
Exquisite Traditional Crafts
- Kolhapuri Silver Pot presented to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese: Featuring elaborate hand-engraved floral and paisley details, this silver pot from Maharashtra historically held sacred water or offerings in temples and royal courts.
- Silver Filigree Clutch for Canada's Governor General Mary Simon: Crafted in Odisha, this delicate purse showcases the 500-year-old Tarakasi art using fine silver wires to create intricate lace-like patterns.
- Ebony Jali Work Box to Alberta Premier Danielle Smith: This hand-carved box from Rajasthan features traditional lattice designs and silver inlay (Nakkashi), capped with a colorful painted peacock, reflecting centuries-old artisanal finesse.
- Papier Mâché Box with Gold Leaf to Alberta Lieutenant Governor Salma Lakhani: Originating from Jammu and Kashmir, the box combines layered paper craft and hand-painted floral and scenic motifs enriched with golden accents.
Craftsmanship from India’s Diverse Regions
- Cane and Bamboo Boat gifted to Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva: An eco-friendly artwork from Meghalaya, featuring a swan figurine that captures northeastern India's natural materials and cultural stories.
- Brass Dokra Horse for South African President Cyril Ramaphosa: A unique brass sculpture from Chhattisgarh created via lost-wax casting, embodying tribal symbolism of power and devotion decorated with intricate wire patterns and ornaments.
- Madhubani Painting presented to South Korean President Lee Jae-myung: This colorful Bihar folk art, traditionally created by women, features bold outlines and detailed storytelling on paper, cloth, or canvas.
- Warli Painting gifted to Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo: A tribal folk art from Maharashtra using basic shapes to depict daily village life, including the emblematic "tarpa dance" symbolizing unity and joy.
Artistic Treasures at the Tour’s Finale
- Pattachitra Painting to Croatian President Zoran Milanović: From Odisha, this traditional cloth-based painting narrates Indian mythological tales with natural colors and precise brushwork. Alongside, a silver candlestand was gifted to Croatia's Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic.
- Kashmiri Silk Carpet and Silver Clutch to Cyprus’ Leadership: A luxurious silk carpet was presented to Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides, while First Lady Philippa Karsera received a silver clutch from Andhra Pradesh, crafted using the repoussé technique blending temple-inspired motifs with contemporary design.
Each gift stands as a testament to India’s vast cultural diversity, reflecting regional craftsmanship and deep-rooted traditions. Through these tokens, Prime Minister Modi not only honored international counterparts but also projected India's artistic heritage on the world stage.
