New Delhi, June 19: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently concluded a visit to France and Slovakia. During this trip, he attended the G7 summit in France and made his inaugural visit to Slovakia as Prime Minister. Following Slovakia’s independence, he became the first Indian Prime Minister to visit the country. Modi was honored with the highest civilian award in Slovakia and presented special gifts during his stay.
PM Modi gifted the Speaker of Slovakia, Richard Raši, ancient Ayurvedic texts, the Sushruta Samhita and the Charaka Samhita. The Sushruta Samhita is a foundational Ayurvedic text written by the physician Sushruta, recognized as one of the earliest and most essential works on surgery. It covers advanced surgical techniques, instruments, anatomy, and medical treatments, including innovative reconstructive procedures like rhinoplasty.
Beyond surgery, the text addresses significant aspects of healthcare, including internal medicine, toxicology, pediatrics, nutrition, and preventive care. It offers a comprehensive perspective on health and showcases India’s early scientific and medical advancements, contributing significantly to global health.
The Charaka Samhita is another foundational ancient Indian medical text attributed to Acharya Charaka. It presents a systematic and scholarly understanding of health, disease, human physiology, and wellness based on observations and reasoning developed over two thousand years ago.
This text reflects India’s rich scientific and intellectual heritage and remains a vital source of health knowledge, symbolizing the quest for knowledge, health, and human advancement worldwide.
Additionally, PM Modi presented handcrafted Thewa motif cufflinks, a Himroo silk tie and pocket square, and a brass Dokra antelope set to Slovakia’s President Peter Pellegrini.
The handcrafted Thewa motif cufflinks showcase the traditional jewelry art of Pratapgarh. They are made using the rare Thewa technique, featuring intricately carved gold sheets on colorful glass, creating complex and beautiful designs inspired by nature and symbols.
This centuries-old art, preserved by artisan families, exemplifies exceptional craftsmanship and cultural heritage. Recognized with a GI tag and included in the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative, Thewa is a unique and prestigious art form that highlights Rajasthan’s rich craftsmanship.
The Himroo silk tie and pocket square set represents the traditional weaving art of Aurangabad. Made from a silk-cotton blend, Himroo is known for its reversible weave, soft texture, and subtle sheen, featuring intricately woven floral and paisley patterns. Originating under the patronage of the Deccan court, it has become a luxurious fabric valued for its beauty and durability.
Recognized with a GI tag and part of the ODOP initiative for the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district, Himroo weaving is a vital cultural and economic heritage.
The brass Dokra antelope set is a handcrafted artifact that showcases India’s ancient Dokra metal-casting tradition, practiced by tribal artisans in Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Jharkhand, and West Bengal for centuries. Using the traditional lost-wax casting technique, each piece is unique and reflects themes of nature, folklore, and rural life.
The antelope sculptures symbolize grace, agility, and harmony with nature, creating a cultural connection to Slovakia’s Tatra chamois. Both animals reflect strength and a deep bond with their natural environment.
PM Modi also gifted a Kashmiri silk carpet to Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico. The Kashmiri silk carpet, a renowned handcrafted craft from the Kashmir Valley, especially the Srinagar region, is made from high-quality natural silk. It is celebrated for its intricate floral, paisley, bell, and medallion designs, inspired by local artistic traditions and natural beauty.
Handwoven by skilled artisans, each carpet can take months or even years to complete due to its high knot density and meticulous craftsmanship. Combining beauty, durability, and artistic excellence, Kashmiri silk carpets are recognized worldwide as exquisite decorative and artistic works.
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