Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath presented a replica of Ram Temple made of pink enamel to Prime Minister Modi. This gift is a symbol of Kashi’s traditional art, Sanatan faith and Vocal for Local, which gave a new identity to ODOP and local artisans.
Lucknow. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday presented a replica of the grand temple of Lord Shri Ram made of pink enamel to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the capital Delhi. This gift was not limited to mere courtesy, but became a cultural message presenting the traditional handicraft of Kashi, Sanatan faith and the spirit of ‘Vocal for Local’.
Initiative to give national identity to local crafts
This initiative of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath shows that the Yogi government is making creative use of every opportunity to provide a national and global platform to local artisans and traditional arts. Presenting heritage art like pink enamel as a protocol gift is an example of this thinking.
Special replica of Ram temple ready in 108 days
This Ram temple replica prepared by sculptor Kunj Bihari Singh on the occasion of the consecration of Shri Ram temple in Ayodhya is an excellent example of pink enamel art. 2 kg of silver and gold have been used in the making of this artwork, along with diamonds are also studded in it.
Cultural and spiritual significance of 108
This replica of Ram Temple has a total of 108 parts and was prepared in 108 days. Ram Dhun was chanted continuously for 108 days during the construction period. The idol of Lord Rama made of gold, the symbolic figures of lotus and bow and arrow, the diamonds studded on the four peaks and the lighting inside – all these vividly reflect the importance of 108 in the Sanatan tradition.
Pink Meenakari’s journey from GI tag to ODOP
Getting GI tag for pink enamel is the official recognition of its original identity. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath provided institutional support to the artisans of Kashi by linking it to the One District-One Product (ODOP) scheme. Through training, design innovation, government exhibitions and protocol gifting, the art has gained new markets and new prestige.
Pink Meenakari becomes brand identity of Uttar Pradesh
Through the ODOP scheme, Pink Meenakari is no longer just a local handicraft, but has become the cultural brand identity of Uttar Pradesh. This has increased the income of artisans and has been successful in connecting traditional art with the modern market.
Global symbol of Vocal for Local
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath have made pink enamel an effective medium of cultural diplomacy. In the year 2021, during his visit to America, Prime Minister Modi gifted a pink enamel chess set to the then US Vice President Kamala Harris.
Recognition and demand for art increased in India and abroad
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has also gifted pink enamel artefacts to Vice President CP Radhakrishnan, actor Rajinikanth and astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla. This increased the international demand for this craft and also strengthened women empowerment and self-reliant India by training a large number of women.
The tradition of pink enamel has been going on since the 16th century.
Pink Meenakari art came to India in the 16th century and with time became the identity of Kashi. The colors used in this art are prepared from metal oxides and Meenakari is done only on pure silver and gold.
Complex process and heritage preserved through generations
This process, cooked at a temperature of approximately 800 degrees Celsius, is extremely complex and laborious. Artisan families have been preserving this art for generations and are keeping it alive in its modern form even today.