PM Modi gifts sandalwood sitar to French President Macron
Adding a cultural touch to his diplomatic visit to France, Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifted distinct pieces of Indian craftsmanship to French President Emmanuel Macron, his wife Brigitte Macron, Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne, President of the French National Assembly Yael Braun-Pivet, and President of the French Senate Gerard Larcher.
The gifts encompassed the rich heritage of Indian textiles, art, and craftsmanship.
To President Macron, PM Modi presented a unique replica of a sitar, crafted entirely from sandalwood.
The sandalwood carving, an ancient craft practised for centuries in Southern India, depicted images of Goddess Saraswati holding a Sitar and Lord Ganesha, accompanied by illustrations of peacocks, India’s national bird. The piece encapsulates an array of motifs from Indian culture.
First Lady Brigitte Macron received a Pochampally silk ikat saree, housed in a decorative sandalwood box. The saree originates from Pochampally in Telangana, India, and is known for its vibrant colours and intricate designs. The sandalwood box, in turn, is adorned with detailed carvings depicting traditional motifs and scenes from history.
Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne was gifted a table adorned with ‘Marble Inlay Work’. Known for its attractive artistry, marble inlay work uses high-quality marble from Makrana, Rajasthan, and semi-precious stones sourced from various parts of India. The stones are carefully cut, engraved, and set into the marble to create a beautiful, colourful piece of art.
Yael Braun-Pivet, the President of the French National Assembly, received a hand-knitted silk Kashmiri carpet, renowned globally for its softness and intricate craftsmanship. These carpets, woven with elaborate patterns, exhibit a fascinating attribute of appearing in different colours when viewed from varying angles, enhancing their artistic allure.
Lastly, Gerard Larcher, President of the French Senate, was presented with a sandalwood hand-carved elephant figure. The elephant, symbolizing wisdom, strength, and good fortune in Indian culture, is a beautiful reflection of the harmony between nature, culture, and art.