During his two-day official visit to France, Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented a range of exquisite gifts to the country’s leaders, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of India. These gifts included a sandalwood sitar, silk fabric, a marble table, a silk carpet, and a sandalwood elephant figurine.
One of the highlights among the gifts was a sandalwood sitar presented to French President Emmanuel Macron. This unique replica of the musical instrument, crafted from pure sandalwood, displayed intricate carvings of Goddess Saraswati and Lord Ganesha, representing knowledge, music, wisdom, and the removal of obstacles. The sitar also featured peacock motifs, symbolizing India’s national bird, and elaborate carvings inspired by Indian culture.
Brigitte Macron, the President’s spouse, received a Pochampally Ikat silk fabric presented in a sandalwood box. Pochampally Ikat, known for its vibrant colors and intricate designs, originates from the town of Pochampally in Telangana, India. The fabric exemplifies India’s rich textile heritage and was elegantly showcased in a decorative sandalwood box, highlighting the craftsmanship and aromatic qualities of sandalwood.
Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne of France was presented with a captivating marble table adorned with intricate marble inlay work. This craftsmanship involves cutting and engraving semi-precious stones into high-quality marble sourced from Makrana, Rajasthan. The result is a beautiful and colorful masterpiece showcasing the skilled artistry of marble inlay work.
President of the French National Assembly, Yaël Braun-Pivet, received a hand-knitted silk Kashmiri carpet from Prime Minister Modi. These carpets, known worldwide for their softness, intricate details, and captivating colors, are a testament to the craftsmanship of Kashmiri artisans. The unique feature of these carpets is their ability to display different shades when viewed from various angles, creating an illusion of two carpets instead of one.
Finally, President of the French Senate, Gerard Larcher, was presented with a sandalwood hand-carved elephant figurine, symbolizing wisdom, strength, and good fortune. Meticulously crafted from pure sandalwood, these elephant figurines hold special significance in Indian culture, embodying the harmonious connection between nature, culture, and art.
The gifts presented by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the leaders of France represent not only the beauty and artistry of Indian craftsmanship but also serve as a gesture of friendship and cultural exchange between the two nations. These gifts reflect India’s diverse cultural heritage and further strengthen the bonds of diplomacy and goodwill between India and France.