PM Modi presented several Indian traditional gifts, including a Moradabadi brass tortoise, to President Patrick Herminie during his visit to Seychelles. These gifts beautifully reflect India’s artistic talent and the shared cultural-environmental values of both the countries.
PM Modi gave special gifts to the top leadership of Seychelles
Showcasing India’s handloom heritage and the finest talent of artisans, Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented a selection of traditional Indian craftsmanship to the top leadership of Seychelles during his three-day official visit to the island nation. The exchange of these carefully selected diplomatic gifts beautifully highlighted the deep cultural ties and shared environmental values between New Delhi and Victoria.
President gets Moradabadi brass tortoise
A Moradabadi brass tortoise was presented to the President of Seychelles, Patrick Herminie. Handcrafted by skilled artisans from Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, globally known as the ‘Brass City’ of India, this artefact reflects the region’s extraordinary expertise in metal casting, carving and finishing. In Indian philosophy, the tortoise is considered a symbol of wisdom, stability, flexibility and longevity. This gift holds special significance for Seychelles, as its natural heritage is linked to the iconic Aldabra giant tortoise. The offering serves as a thoughtful bridge between India’s craftsmanship and the unique ecological identity of the island nation.
Maheshwari Silk Stole and Bidriware Box to the First Lady
First Lady Veronique Herminie was presented with two exquisite examples of Indian artistry – a Maheshwari silk stole and a Bidriware box. Hailing from Maheshwar, Madhya Pradesh, this beautiful Maheshwari Silk Stole is a blend of silk and cotton threads and is decorated with delicate geometric and floral inspired motifs in light colors, representing a sophisticated handloom tradition preserved through generations. The accompanying Bidriware box, which is from Bidar, Karnataka, shows an intricate contrast of shiny silver inlays on the deep black, oxidized metal surface of an alloy of zinc and copper. It has geometric and floral motifs carefully inlaid by hand with thin silver wire.
Sikkim’s Orchid Art Painting to Vice President
An orchid art painting from Sikkim was selected by the Prime Minister for Vice President Sebastian Pillay. This exquisite artwork beautifully combines the floral heritage of the state with the peacock, the national bird of India, which is elegantly depicted amid delicate orchid flowers and intricate vines. This painting represents a beautiful diplomatic resonance, as while the peacock represents the cultural soul of India, the orchid is proudly the national flower of Seychelles, symbolizing both countries’ shared commitment towards environmental protection and biodiversity.
Kanjeevaram silk fabric to Vice President’s wife
Second Lady Lena Pillay, wife of Vice President Sebastian Pillay, was gifted a luxurious Kanjeevaram silk fabric by Prime Minister Modi. Known for its luxurious texture and exceptional durability, this cloth comes from the historic temple town of Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu. The fabric has a dark maroon base decorated with golden zari motifs and is framed with an attractive border of red, green and gold. Inspired by traditional temple architecture and nature, this Geographical Indication (GI) tagged and One District One Product (ODOP) recognized silk represents the pinnacle of Indian handloom weaving.
Toda embroidered shawl to the Speaker of the National Assembly
Azrael Ernesta, Speaker of the Seychelles National Assembly, received a Toda embroidered shawl, completing the series of cultural offerings. This distinctive textile is entirely hand-made by the Toda community, an indigenous pastoral people living in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu. Woven on a white cotton base, it features bold red and black geometric embroidery done through a unique, age-old hand-weaving technique called Pukhur. Traditionally worn during sacred ceremonies, this shawl represents the preservation of indigenous knowledge and reflects Seychelles’ own strong commitment to protecting its unique cultural heritage.
The three-day trip was very successful
The Prime Minister completed his historic three-day visit on Monday and left for India after achieving 19 important geopolitical outcomes in sectors like defence, space and healthcare. During this time he was also honored with the ‘Guardian of the Blue Horizon’ honor by President Hermini. (ANI)
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