When the tea of relationships is simmering on the table of diplomacy, then gifts also carry with them the fragrance of emotions. President Putin is to be bid farewell tonight itself. Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented six such special gifts to the President of Russia which bear the unique imprint of Indian soil, art and tradition. Every gift was not just a thing but an emotional message capturing the warmth of India-Russia friendship. Everyone knows that Bhagavad Gita in Russian was gifted to Putin. Apart from this, PM Narendra Modi also gave five other unique gifts encompassing the culture of India to the Russian President. Let us tell you about each car one by one.
1. Assam Black Tea: Hailing from the fertile Brahmaputra Valley of Assam, this strong malty flavored black tea holds the proud GI tag of 2007. Made from traditional Assamika leaves, this tea is considered a symbol of both culture and health due to its aroma, bright color and potential health benefits.
2. Decorative Silver Tea Set (Murshidabad): This beautiful silver tea set, adorned with craftsmanship from West Bengal, reflects the finesse of Indian craftsmanship and the shared tradition of tea culture. In both India and Russia, tea is a symbol of intimacy, conviviality and the warmth of relationships, and this gift is a sentimental gesture of that enduring friendship.
3. Hand Made Silver Horse (Maharashtra): This finely carved silver horse shows the excellence of metal art of Maharashtra. The moving form of this horse, a symbol of bravery and dignity, presents a beautiful metaphor of the ever-growing partnership between India and Russia.
4. Marble Chess Set (Agra): Integrating the craftsmanship tradition and ODOP heritage of Agra, this marble chess set is a wonderful blend of art and utility with intricately inlaid stones, floral borders and contrasting colored pieces. This is not only a game, but also a collectible specimen of North Indian inlay work.
5. Kashmiri Saffron (Kong/Zaffran): GI-tagged saffron, which grows in the high plateaus of Kashmir, is famous in the world for its colour, aroma and taste. Called “Red Gold”, this saffron is an invaluable symbol of tradition, hand-picking and hard work of farmers, which represents the confluence of both health and heritage.
6. Bhagavad Gita: The immortal teaching of the Mahabharata—Shrimad Bhagavad Gita—provides guidance for life with its message of duty, soul and salvation. This book, presented in Russian language, is a priceless gift that provides spiritual knowledge to modern readers and deepens the cultural ties between the two countries.
