Prime Minister Modi was on a five day international tour to Nigeria, Brazil and Guyana, where he interacted with around 31 world leaders. During his visit, PM Modi didn’t just hold bilateral discussions but also used it as an opportunity to showcase India’s rich culture and heritage. This gesture is yet another example of PM Modi transforming his foreign visit into a celebration of India’s rich culture and heritage.
This time he carried with himself some unique gifts from India for the world leaders. Among them 8 were from Maharashtra, 5 from J&K, 3 each from Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan, 2 from Jharkhand and 1 each from Ladakh, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu.
Maharashtra’s Traditional And Tribal Art
PM Modi gifted a Silofar Panchamrit Kalash to Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The kalash is a magnificent specimen of metalwork from Kolhapur Maharashtra. The silverware contains Kolhapur’s renowned metalwork engravings. This kalash engraved with floral patterns and depiction of deities holds cultural and diplomatic value. It reflects the deepening of ties between both the countries.
Additionally, PM Modi gifted his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese a Natural Rough Amethyst from Pune with a Silver Camel Head on top.
PM Modi also presented Warli painting to President Lula da Silva of Brazil. The Warli tribe is primarily located in the Dahanu, Talasari, and Palghar regions of Maharashtra. These artwork with intricate geometric designs have are reflective of India’s tribal heritage.
Additionally, the gifts from Maharashtra also featured an exquisite silver candle stand from Pune, which was presented to Prime Minister of Italy Giorgia Meloni.
Apart from this, PM Modi gifted a unique hand crafted silver chess set to Portuguese PM Luis Montenegro.
Jammu Kashmir’s Exquisite Craftsmanship
Jammu Kashmir’s artistic craftsmanship is a vivid reminder of the regions rich heritage and natural beauty. PM Modi gifted UK Prime Minister, a pair papier-mâché vases with beautiful embellished gold work. The vases showcase Kashmir’s delicate floral artistry and craftsmanship.
An exquisitely crafted papier-mâché box containing a luxurious pashmina shawl was presented to the First Lady of Guyana. While the CARISCOM leaders were presented with customised gift hampers containing Kashmiri saffron. The spice represented the region’s rich culture and tradition.
Andhra Pradesh And Jharkhand’s Craftsmanship
PM Modi gifted a finely crafted silver clutch studded with semi precious stones adorned with floral design to the spouse of Brazilian President. This finely crafted clutch highlights the region’s rich craftsmanship. Along with this, the CARICOM leaders were gifted with Andhra Pradesh’s Araku Coffee in the customised hampers. This coffee is grown by the indigenous community of Andhra Pradesh in the Araku Valley.
Additionally, he presented Nigeria’s vice president with a Sohrai painting from Hazaribagh. The painting style is well renowned for its depiction of birds, animals and nature. The painting is a reflection of India’s tribal culture and the reverence they have for wildlife. PM Modi gifted Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, a Khovar painting, which is another beautiful traditional artwork from the tribal areas of Jharkhand.
Rajasthan’s Heritage
Among PM Modi’s gifts Rajasthan’s royal heritage also featured. PM Modi gifted an intricately crafted silver photo frame with floral motifs to the president of Argentina. The prime minister of Norway received a marble inlay work, crafted from Makrana marble. While the President of Guyana received a gold-work wooden raj sawari figurine- combining gold work on finely carved wood. These gifts representing Rajasthan’s rich cultural tapestry and craftsmanship.
Other Exquisite Gifts
PM Modi gifted President of Chile, a silver and rosewood ceremonial photo frame with graceful artwork from Uttar Pradesh. He also presented Karnataka’s signature wooden toy train from Channapatna, a local craft known for its beautiful artistry.
Additionally, a Tanjore painting from Tamil Nadu, renowned for its vibrant colors and intricate designs was gifted to French President. Alongside this, he also presented a Madhubani painting from Bihar, which represents the region’s rich tradition and heritage to Guyana President Ali. A Filigree Boat made of pure silver from Cuttack, Odisha to to Vice President of Guyana. Along with this, he also presented a beautiful Ladakhi kettle adorned with semi-precious gemstones to the Speaker of of National Assembly of Guyana.
Overall during his international tour, PM Modi has not only discussed diplomatic agendas but via these gifts he also promoted India’s rich culture, art, language and traditions from all the corners of India.