New Delhi, October 5 (Daily Kiran) : Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently presented Swiss President Guy Parmelin with two remarkable gifts that showcase India’s rich heritage and evolving identity. Among these were award-winning cheeses produced in India and a beautifully crafted wooden wall panel from Kashmir.
Switzerland is renowned for its diverse cheese varieties, making Modi’s gift of Indian cheese particularly significant. The cheeses represent the unique flavors of three different regions in India: one from Gulmarg in Kashmir, another from Konark in Odisha, and the third from Yeoor in Maharashtra. This selection highlights India’s growing cheese-making tradition.
The Gulmarg cheese is a heart-shaped, soft, and creamy Brie made from pasteurized cow’s milk. Its exterior is pristine white, while its flavor profile combines earthy notes with a hint of mushroom. This cheese won the Super Gold Award at the 2026 World Cheese Awards in Brazil.
Konark’s French Tomme-style cheese offers a unique twist, featuring a natural rind and a soft texture. Its taste is both savory and tangy, culminating in a light lemon flavor. It earned a Gold medal at the 2023 World Cheese Awards in Norway and a Silver medal in Switzerland in 2025.
Yeoor’s mountain-style cheese draws inspiration from Swiss Gruyère. This cheese undergoes a meticulous aging process of about eight to nine months, developing nutty, sweet, and herbal notes. Its exterior is adorned with rose petals and fennel, giving it a distinctive Indian-Alpine appearance. It is considered excellent for fondue and grilled dishes.
In addition to the cheeses, Modi gifted Parmelin a hand-carved wall panel made from Kashmiri walnut wood. This panel reflects Kashmir’s centuries-old wood carving heritage and is intricately designed with traditional landscapes, flowers, human figures, horses, carriages, and scenes of village life.
This exquisite piece celebrates the skill and craftsmanship of Kashmiri artisans, showcasing artistic traditions shaped by indigenous and Central Asian influences.
Modi also presented Parmelin with a Kutch shawl and a Sadeeli box, both representing Gujarat’s rich weaving and decorative craft traditions. The Sadeeli box is known for its intricate geometric patterns created by layering various materials, while the Kutch shawl is a vibrant, handwoven textile recognized for its geometric designs.
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