New Delhi: During his recent visit to Canada for the G7 Summit held at Kananaskis, Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented a series of handcrafted traditional gifts to Canadian leaders, highlighting India’s rich cultural and artisanal heritage.
Among the recipients was Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who received a brass Bodhi tree sculpture from Bihar. The intricately designed piece symbolises spiritual enlightenment and pays homage to the sacred Bodhi Tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment. Crafted by skilled artisans, the sculpture reflects Bihar’s deep-rooted Buddhist traditions and exceptional craftsmanship.
To the Governor General of Canada, Prime Minister Modi presented a Silver Filigree Clutch Purse from Cuttack, Odisha. Known locally as Tarakasi, this 500-year-old art form involves twisting fine silver wires into delicate lace-like patterns. The handcrafted purse, adorned with floral and geometric motifs, blends elegance with cultural significance, showcasing Odisha’s renowned silverwork.
The Premier of Alberta received an Ebony Wood Box featuring traditional jali (lattice) carvings and intricate nakkashi (silver inlay work) from Rajasthan. The box is embellished with a hand-painted image of a peacock, India’s national bird, symbolizing beauty and royalty. It serves as both a utilitarian piece and a reflection of Rajasthan’s regal artistic traditions.
For the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, PM Modi chose a Papier-Mâché Box from Jammu and Kashmir, a region famous for its vibrant hand-painted crafts. The box, crafted through the traditional processes of sakhtsazi (paper moulding) and naqashi (hand painting), features motifs of flowers, Chinar leaves, birds, and scenic landscapes, accented with gold leaf. Each box is a testament to Kashmir’s rich cultural history and artistic finesse.
These symbolic gifts underscored India’s diverse handicraft traditions and were carefully selected to reflect the depth of India-Canada cultural ties.
The visitalso marked the first in-person meeting between PM Modi and PM Carney following Canada’s recent general elections. Held on the sidelines of the G7 Summit, the leaders reaffirmed the importance of bilateral relations and agreed to take constructive steps to stabilize and enhance the partnership, according to a statement from India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
