PM Modi's Gift for US President Joe Biden, First Lady: Silver Train Model, Pashmina Shawl

New Delhi: After the Quad Leaders' Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented special gifts to US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden on Sunday. As the Prime Minister is on a three-day visit to the United States, he presented an antique silver hand-engraved train model to US President Joe Biden .

The vintage silver train model is a rare piece crafted by artisans from Maharashtra . Made of 92.5% silver, the model showcases the pinnacle of Indian metalworking artistry, with elaborate details achieved through traditional techniques such as engraving, repoussé (hammering from the reverse to create raised designs), and intricate filigree work. It serves as a tribute to the steam locomotive era, blending artistic brilliance with historical significance.

Signifying the robust linkages between India and the US, the model has been customised by inscribing "DELHI - DELAWARE" on the sides of the main carriage and "INDIAN RAILWAYS" on the sides of the engine in English and Hindi based on the standard format used on passenger trains in India.

This masterpiece not only highlights the artisan's exceptional skill but also serves as a glowing testimony to the long history of Indian railways and its global influences.

PM Modi’s Gift to Jill Biden

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also gifted a Pashmina shawl in papier-mâché boxes to the First Lady of the USA, Jill Biden. Pashmina shawls, which traditionally come packed in papier-mâché boxes from Jammu and Kashmir, are handmade using a mixture of paper pulp, glue, and other natural materials. Each box is a unique work of art, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Kashmir. The hand-embroidered shawl captures the essence of India’s rich craftsmanship.

The story of the shawls begins with the Changthangi goat, native to the high altitudes of Ladakh. Its winter coat, known as Pashm, is the soul of the shawl. This incredibly fine and soft fiber is hand-combed. Skilled artisans spin the Pashm into yarn, often by hand using traditional techniques passed down through generations.

The palette of a Pashmina shawl is as diverse as the land it hails from. Natural dyes derived from plants and minerals infuse the fabric with vibrant hues.

Pashmina shawls are heirlooms passed down through generations, carrying memories and emotions within their threads.

Contemporary designers are incorporating modern sensibilities, experimenting with bolder colors, playful patterns, and even fusion styles. This ensures the legacy of Pashmina remains relevant, captivating hearts across generations and cultures.

Pashmina shawls traditionally come packed in papier mâché boxes from J&K, that are renowned for their exquisite beauty and craftsmanship. These boxes are handmade using a mixture of paper pulp, glue, and other natural materials. Each box is a unique work of art, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Kashmir. These boxes are not only functional but also serve as decorative items in their own right.

After the Quad Leaders' Summit, Prime Minister Modi greeted the Indian diaspora in the US. The annual Quad Summit, hosted by President Biden in his hometown of Wilmington, rolled out a series of new initiatives to boost cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and explore ways to find peaceful solutions to the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza.

(Inputs from PTI)