New Delhi, June 30: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has returned to India after a three-day visit to Seychelles. During this trip, he presented various gifts to the President, Speaker, and Vice President, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of India.
The President of Seychelles, Dr. Patrick Herminie, received an intricately crafted turtle made by artisans from Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh. This brass sculpture symbolizes India’s exceptional craftsmanship and represents knowledge, stability, patience, and longevity in Indian philosophy. The gift also connects to Seychelles’ iconic Aldabra giant tortoise, highlighting shared values of nature conservation and friendship between the two nations.
Prime Minister Modi gifted a Toda embroidered shawl to Speaker Azarel Ernesta. This shawl, made by the Toda tribe from the Nilgiri Hills in Tamil Nadu, features vibrant red and black designs on white cotton fabric. The unique ‘Pukhur’ embroidery technique showcases the cultural identity and craftsmanship of the Toda community, aligning with Seychelles’ commitment to preserving cultural traditions.
To Vice President Sebastian Pillai, Modi presented an orchid painting from Sikkim, depicting India’s national bird, the peacock, amidst orchids and floral vines. This artwork beautifully represents the cultural heritage of both countries and their shared values of biodiversity and environmental conservation.
The First Lady of Seychelles, Veronique Herminie, received a Maheshwari silk stole and a beautiful Bidri craft box from PM Modi. The silk stole, known for its lightweight and exquisite design, is made from the renowned Maheshwari weaving tradition in Madhya Pradesh. The intricate floral patterns and vibrant color combinations highlight the excellence of Indian handloom art.
The Bidri box, crafted from black metal with fine silver inlay, exemplifies the unique tradition of metalwork from Bidar, Karnataka. This craftsmanship showcases the intricate skills involved in Indian metallurgy.
Additionally, PM Modi gifted Kanchipuram silk fabric to Leena Pillai, the Vice President’s wife. This luxurious silk, known for its luster and durability, features stunning gold zari work and intricate designs inspired by temple architecture and nature. Kanchipuram silk is recognized with a Geographical Indication (GI) tag and is part of the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative.
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