At the recently concluded BRICS Summit in Kazan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted India’s rich cultural heritage by gifting traditional artworks from Jharkhand and Maharashtra to global leaders. Modi presented a Jharkhand Sohrai painting to Russian President Vladimir Putin, a Mother of Pearl vase to the President of Iran, and a Warli painting to the President of Uzbekistan.
These unique gifts brought international recognition to Indian artisans, showcasing their skills and heritage to a global audience.
Jharkhand’s Sohrai Painting: A Tribute to Folk Tradition
The Sohrai painting from Jharkhand’s Hazaribagh district, gifted to President Putin, reflects a timeless folk art form known for its vibrant designs. Traditionally created by women, this art uses natural pigments and simple tools, like twigs and fingers, to craft intricate patterns. It symbolizes gratitude for the harvest and is believed to bring good fortune.
The painting’s selection as an ODOP (One District One Product) item underlines its cultural and economic importance to Jharkhand.
Maharashtra’s Artistry: Mother of Pearl Vase and Warli Painting
PM Modi gifted a Mother of Pearl vase, representing Maharashtra’s coastal craftsmanship, to the President of Iran. This vase, crafted from mollusc shells, showcases an intricate mosaic design with shades of yellow, black, white, and gray. It combines nature’s beauty with artisanal skill, symbolizing purity and prosperity.
For the President of Uzbekistan, Modi presented a Warli painting, an ancient tribal art from Maharashtra. With a distinctive monochromatic scheme, Warli art depicts scenes of daily life and nature. Traditionally created by Warli women on mud walls, this art form captures the simplicity and spirituality of tribal life.
These gifts have elevated Indian artisans’ work, providing a global platform for India’s cultural and artistic legacy.
Also Read: Israeli Airstrikes In Gaza’s Beit Lahia Leave At Least 30 Dead, Including Women And Children
