Kanchivaram, Maheshwari silk, Muradabadi brass tortoise part of PM’s gifts to Seychelles leaders

Kanchivaram silk fabric, Maheshwari silk stole and Toda embroidered shawl were some of the gifts that Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave to the top leadership of Seychelles and their spouses during his just-concluded visit to the island nation.

Mr. Modi was in Seychelles on a three-day visit from June 27 to 29, during which he attended the golden jubilee celebrations of the national day of that country, and held bilateral discussions with President Patrick Herminie, further strengthening the friendship between the two countries.

The Prime Minister gifted the Seychelles President a Muradabadi brass tortoise, an example of the renowned brassware tradition of Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh.

Handcrafted by skilled artisans of Moradabad the gift showcased the region’s exceptional expertise in metal casting, engraving and finishing.

Mr. Modi also visited the enclosure of the giant tortoise at the Seychelles National Botanical Garden.

The Prime Minister gifted Veronique Herminie, the First Lady of Seychelles, a Maheshwari silk stole and a Bidriware box.

Originating in Maheshwar in Madhya Pradesh, this textile tradition is celebrated for its fine craftsmanship and harmonious blend of silk and cotton yarns.

Bidriware originated in Bidar, Karnataka, from which it derives its name. The craft involves casting an alloy of zinc and copper, engraving intricate patterns onto the surface, and inlaying them with silver.

Mr. Modi presented Sebastien Pillay, the Vice President of Seychelles, an orchid painting from Sikkim.

The painting combines Sikkim’s rich floral heritage with its vibrant artistic traditions. The artwork depicts India’s national bird, the peacock, adorned with delicate orchid blooms amid intricate floral vine.

The artwork holds special significance due to its connection with both India and Seychelles. While the peacock symbolises India’s natural and cultural heritage, the orchid is the national flower of Seychelles, a nation known for its unique island biodiversity and commitment to environmental conservation.

Mr. Modi gifted Lina Pillay, the Second Lady of Seychelles, a Kanchivaram silk fabric. Originating in the historic temple town of Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu, the textile is woven from fine mulberry silk and distinguished by its durability, lustrous finish and intricate ‘zari’ work.

Mr. Modi also gifted the speaker of the Seychelles national Sssembly, Azarel Ernesta, a Toda embroidered shawl, a distinguished textile tradition of the Toda community, the indigenous pastoral people of the Nilgiri Hills in Tamil Nadu.

The embroidery technique, known as Pukhoor, is unique to the Toda people and is executed entirely by hand.