Rio de Janeiro: Prime Minister Narendra Modi carried with him symbols of India’s rich artistic and cultural heritage as gifts for the top leadership of Argentina and Trinidad and Tobago, during his official visit to the two countries last week.
PM Modi gifted a hand-etched silver lion on a Fuchsite stone base to Argentina’s President Javier Milei during his two-day visit to Buenos Aires.
Crafted by skilled Rajasthani artisans using silver and Fuchsite sourced from India’s mineral-rich regions, the piece beautifully embodied the country’s rich artistic and geological heritage.
A striking example of Rajasthan’s renowned metalwork and gemstone artistry, the intricately detailed silver lion symbolises courage and leadership, while the Fuchsite base—known as the ‘Stone of Healing and Resilience’ — adds natural beauty and meaning.
Prime Minister Modi also gifted a Madhubani painting to the Vice President of Argentina, Victoria Eugenia Villarruel.
This Madhubani painting of the Sun beautifully showcases one of India’s oldest folk-art traditions from the Mithila region of Bihar. Renowned for bold lines, intricate patterns, and natural colours, Madhubani art traditionally adorned walls during festivals to bring prosperity and ward off negativity.
The piece highlights the Sun, a symbol of energy and life, surrounded by detailed floral borders and motifs that fill every space—a hallmark of the style. Rooted in cultural heritage and meticulous craftsmanship, it is both a decorative piece and a vibrant tribute to India’s enduring folk artistry.
Before arriving in Argentina, PM Modi had travelled to Trinidad and Tobago – the second leg of his ongoing five-nation tour.
In Port of Spain, PM Modi gifted a ‘kalash’ with sacred water form River Saryu to the Caribbean nation’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar.
The ‘kalash’, filled with the sacred waters of the River Sarayu, is a revered symbol of purity, blessings, and spiritual grace. The Sarayu, flowing through Ayodhya — the birthplace of Lord Ram — holds deep significance in Hindu tradition, believed to absolve sins and bring peace and prosperity.
Crafted in metal, the ‘kalash’ embodies abundance and sanctity, making it an auspicious offering or gift that invokes divine protection, health, and spiritual well-being. It connects the giver and receiver to Ayodhya’s timeless legacy of Dharma, devotion, and liberation.
PM Modi also gifted his Trinidadian counterpart a silver replica of Ayodhya Ram temple, a finely handcrafted tribute to one of India’s most sacred spiritual sites.
Made by skilled artisans from Uttar Pradesh, it captures the grandeur and intricate architecture of the Ram Temple — symbolising dharma, righteousness, and divine blessings.
Cast entirely in pure silver, the miniature temple embodies purity, devotion, and cultural pride. Ideal for worship spaces, homes, or as a meaningful gift, it reflects Uttar Pradesh’s rich heritage of temple art and metalwork. More than décor, it’s a timeless keepsake that honours Ayodhya’s spiritual legacy and India’s sacred traditions.
(IANS)
