Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his visit to Ghana on Thursday, marking the end of the first leg of his five-nation tour. Before his departure from Accra, Modi presented a series of handcrafted gifts to Ghanaian dignitaries, each carefully chosen to represent India's rich cultural heritage and artistic traditions. These gifts served as a gesture of goodwill and a symbol of the deepening ties between India and Ghana.
To President John Mahama, PM Modi presented a fine Bidri artwork vase. These exquisite vases, originating from Bidar, Karnataka, showcase India's renowned metal craft, characterized by its striking black finish and intricate silver inlay. Handcrafted using a centuries-old technique, the vases are made from a zinc-copper alloy and engraved with floral motifs symbolizing beauty and prosperity. The vases embody Karnataka's rich craft heritage and timeless artistry.
For the First Lady, Lordina Mahama, the Prime Minister gifted a Silver Filigree Work Purse from Cuttack, Odisha. This elegant purse exemplifies the region's renowned Tarakasi craft, an intricate silver filigree perfected over 500 years. Meticulously handcrafted by skilled artisans, the purse features delicate floral and vine motifs formed from fine silver wires, combining airy lightness with durability and elegance. This reflects grace, cultural pride, and artisanal mastery, making it a timeless keepsake of Odisha's rich craft tradition.
Ghana's Vice-President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, received a luxurious Kashmiri Pashmina shawl. This shawl, crafted from the fine undercoat of the Changthangi goat in Kashmir, represents timeless artistry and elegance. Renowned for its exceptional softness, warmth, and lightness, the shawl often features intricate hand-embroidered floral and paisley motifs, iconic to Kashmiri heritage.
The Speaker of the Ghanaian Parliament, Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin, was presented with a Miniature Elephant Ambawari, handcrafted in West Bengal. This exquisite miniature elephant symbolizes royal tradition and India's rich artistic heritage. Inspired by ceremonial processions where elephants carried nobility in ornate howdahs, this piece is made from polished synthetic ivory, an ethical and durable alternative to natural ivory.
These gifts are more than just decorative items; they are symbols of India's spiritual and artistic legacy. They represent the culmination of centuries of craftsmanship, passed down through generations of artisans. By gifting these handcrafted items, PM Modi is not only promoting India's cultural heritage but also supporting local artisan communities. This act of cultural diplomacy strengthens international ties through the universal language of art.
The Prime Minister's gesture was well-received, with many Ghanaians expressing their appreciation for the thoughtfulness and artistry behind the gifts. These diplomatic gifts serve as a reminder of the shared history and strong friendship between India and Ghana, fostering goodwill and understanding between the two nations.
