Gifts from Modi carry Ayodhya’s spiritual legacy and folk artistry abroad

NEW DELHI: Picking up from where he left off during his last visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented his hosts with gifts that reflect India’s deep cultural and spiritual roots, along with its handcrafted excellence.From a ‘silver replica of the Ayodhya Ram Temple’ to a ‘Kalash’ (a sanctified vessel) containing sacred water from the River Sarayu, and from a ‘silver lion mounted on a Fuchsite stone’ to a ‘Madhubani painting of the Sun,’ Modi’s gifts to the leaders of Trinidad and Tobago and Argentina this week went beyond diplomatic protocol to showcase India’s rich heritage.The replica of the Ram Temple, handcrafted by artisans from Uttar Pradesh, was presented to Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar as a tribute to India’s sacred architecture and the enduring legacy of Lord Ram. The finely detailed miniature, cast entirely in pure silver, symbolises dharma, devotion, and the intricate craftsmanship that defines temple art in India.

Accompanying it was the Kalash filled with sacred water from the Sarayu, which flows through Ayodhya. In Hindu tradition, the Sarayu’s waters are believed to absolve sins and bring peace and prosperity. The metal Kalash itself, often associated with abundance and sanctity, underscores India’s age-old practice of invoking divine blessings through sacred rivers and ritual vessels.

Argentine President Javier Milei received a hand-etched silver lion mounted on a Fuchsite stone base – a universal emblem of courage and leadership. Crafted by Rajasthani silversmiths known for their attention to detail, the piece is anchored on Fuchsite, often called the “stone of healing and resilience,” which adds natural elegance while reflecting India’s geological wealth and artisanal mastery.

In Argentina, India’s gifts also highlighted vibrant folk traditions and gemstone artistry. Vice President Victoria Eugenia Villarruel was presented with a Madhubani painting of the Sun, a vivid composition from Bihar’s Mithila region. Traditionally painted on walls and floors during festivals, Madhubani art is renowned for its bold lines, natural colours, and intricate patterns that fill every inch of the canvas. The Sun, in this context, represents life, energy, and prosperity, making the gift both decorative and deeply symbolic.