PM Modi’s visit to the US: Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifted a hand-engraved silver antique train model to US President Joe Biden and a pashmina shawl to First Lady Jill Biden. Biden received PM Modi at his Delaware residence on Saturday on the sidelines of the Quda Leaders Summit.
Prime Minister Modi is on a three-day visit to the US where he participated in the Quad Leaders Summit hosted by US President Biden in his hometown.
This is what PM Modi gifted to Joe Biden
Prime Minister Modi gifted President Biden with a hand-engraved antique silver train model. This hand-engraved antique silver train model is a rare and extraordinary piece, expertly crafted by artisans in Maharashtra, renowned for its rich tradition of silver craftsmanship. Made from 92.5% silver, the model showcases the finest of Indian metalwork, with intricate detailing achieved through traditional techniques such as engraving, repousse (hammering from the reverse to create raised designs) and intricate filigree work.
This creation is a tribute to the era of steam locomotives, where artistic brilliance merges with historical significance.
To symbolize the strong ties between India and the United States, the model has been customized with the inscription “Delhi-Delaware” on the sides of the lead car and “Indian Railways” on the sides of the engine in English and Hindi, based on the standard format used on passenger trains in India.
This masterpiece not only highlights the exceptional skill of the craftsman but also serves as a brilliant testimony to the long history of Indian Railways and its global influences.
Gift for the First Lady of the United States, Jill Biden
Prime Minister Modi gifted First Lady Jill Biden a pashmina shawl in a paper mache box. This pashmina shawl of exceptional quality and unparalleled beauty is sourced from Jammu and Kashmir.
The story of shawls begins with the Changthangi goat, native to the high altitudes of Ladakh. Its winter coat, known as Pashm, is the soul of the shawl. This incredibly fine and soft fibre is combed by hand. Skilled artisans spin the Pashm into yarn, often by hand, using traditional techniques passed down through generations.
The color palette of a pashmina shawl is as diverse as the land it comes from. Natural dyes derived from plants and minerals infuse the fabric with vibrant hues.
Pashmina shawls are heirlooms that are passed down through generations, carrying memories and emotions in their threads. Contemporary designers are incorporating modern sensibilities, experimenting with bolder colours, playful patterns and even fusion styles. This ensures that the legacy of the pashmina remains relevant and captures the hearts of different generations and cultures.
Pashmina shawls are traditionally presented in paper mache boxes from Jammu and Kashmir, which are renowned for their exquisite beauty and craftsmanship. These boxes are handcrafted using a mixture of paper pulp, glue and other natural materials. Each box is a unique work of art that reflects the rich cultural heritage of Kashmir. These boxes are not only functional but also serve as decorative items in their own right.
Also read: US returns 297 ‘illegally trafficked’ Indian antiques to India during PM Modi’s visit
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