World leaders and international delegates who recently attended the G20 Summit in India received special gifts from Prime Minister Narendra Modi as they concluded their visits. These gifts consist of a meticulously curated collection of handcrafted artifacts that serve as a testament to India's rich cultural heritage and traditions.
Among the carefully selected gifts presented to the G20 leaders were items such as Sundarban honey, Kashmiri saffron, Banarasi stoles, Araku coffee, Darjeeling tea, and more. Each of these gifts was chosen to represent the diverse and unique facets of India. Let's take a closer look at what these gifts entail:
1. **Banarasi Stole**: Crafted from silk threads and adorned with intricate work, the Banarasi stole embodies the cultural richness and weaving heritage of Varanasi. This elegant stole was presented to MarÂa Begoña G³mez Fernández, the wife of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.
2. **Ebony Wood Jali Box**: The Banarasi stole is presented in an exquisite Ebony wood Jali box, a creation of skilled artisans from Kerala. This box features a delicate lattice or 'Jali' work meticulously crafted on Indian ebony wood, known for its fine texture and density.
3. **Sheeshamwood Sandook**: This wooden chest, made from Indian Rosewood, known as Sheeshamwood, is accented with brass strips. The intricate craftsmanship involves embedding brass strips into the wood, showcasing the strength, durability, and distinctive grain patterns of Indian Rosewood.
4. **Saffron**: Known as 'Zafran' in Persian and 'Kesar' in Hindi, saffron is renowned as the world's most exotic and expensive spice. It has been treasured across various cultures for its culinary and medicinal value. Saffron is not only a luxurious culinary spice but is also rich in antioxidants, offering numerous health benefits.
5. Pashmina Stole: Hailing from Kashmir, Pashmina fabric has long been associated with royalty. Obtained through the delicate combing process of specific Himalayan goats' undercoats, this wool is then transformed by skilled artisans through hand-spinning, weaving, and embroidery. The result is a light, warm, and intricately designed stole that epitomizes timeless elegance and craftsmanship.
6. Sundarbans Honey: Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forest, located at the confluence of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers in the Bay of Bengal, is the source of this unique honey.
7. Araku Coffee: Grown in the organic plantations of Araku Valley, Andhra Pradesh, Araku Coffee is the world's first terroir-mapped coffee. It captures the essence of the valley's rich soil and temperate climate, offering a distinct texture and flavor.
8. Ikat Stole: Originating from Odisha, the Ikat stole is a traditional mulberry silk stole created using the 'Ikat' technique. This method involves tying and dyeing on silk or cotton, preserving the tied sections untouched. It was presented to Kobita Ramdanee, the wife of Mauritius PM Pravind Jugnauth, in a Teak wood box crafted by artisans from Gujarat.
9. Khadi Fabric: Khadi, an eco-friendly fabric, is renowned for its texture and versatility. It can be spun from various materials, including cotton, silk, jute, or wool. This fabric is hand-spun and hand-woven by rural artisans, with a significant representation of women, resulting in fashion statements appreciated worldwide.
10. Pekoe Darjeeling and Nilgiri Tea: Often referred to as 'The Champagne of Teas,' Darjeeling tea holds a prestigious position in the tea world. Tender tea shoots are selectively handpicked from shrubs located in the hills of West Bengal at altitudes ranging from 3000 to 5000 ft. This meticulous process yields an aromatic cup of tea.
These thoughtful and culturally rich gifts represent India's diverse traditions and heritage, offering a glimpse into the country's unique offerings to the world.
Â
