Kaashi meenakari tops PM’s gifts to Kamala Harris, Quad leaders

Aditi Tandon

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, September 24

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has presented to the US Vice President Kamala Harris and Quad leaders unique and special gifts, chosen after careful deliberation.

At the successful bilateral meeting, the PM presented to Harris a copy of old notifications related to her grandfather PV Gopalan in a wooden handicraft frame.

PV Gopalan was a senior and respected government officer who served in various positions.

The PM also gifted VP Harris a pink ‘meenakari’ chess set. The exquisite craft of Gulabi Meenakari is closely associated with Kashi, one of the oldest cities of the world and Prime Minister Modi’s constituency.

Every piece on this chess set is remarkably handcrafted and the bright colours reflect the resplendence of Kashi.

Australian PM Scott Morrison was gifted with a handcrafted silver Gulabi Meenakari ship.

The ship is distinctly glorious and mirrors the dynamism of Varanasi, a spiritual hub famous among foreign tourists.

Japanese PM Yoshihide Suga was presented with a sandalwood Buddha statue.

Buddhism plays a huge role in binding India and Japan.

The thoughts and ideals of Lord Buddha reverberate far and wide in Japan.

During his previous visits to Japan, PM Modi had visited many Buddhist temples.