Prime Minister Modi’s Gifts to President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden

During the State Visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden with special gifts. These gifts not only reflect India’s rich cultural heritage but also symbolize the warm relationship between the two nations.  

Prime Minister Modi’s Gift to President Biden 

Prime Minister Modi gifted a handcrafted sandalwood box with ‘das danam’ to President Joe Biden. ‘Das danam’ represents the ten donations made on the occasion of completing the age of eighty years and eight months. This thoughtful gesture commemorates the remarkable journey of President Biden and celebrates the experience of human life. The box contains symbolic items that represent each donation. 

A Symbolic Silver Coconut 

Inside the handcrafted silver box, a delicate silver coconut takes the place of a cow, symbolizing the donation of a cow (Gaudaan). Skilled artisans from West Bengal have meticulously crafted this exquisite piece, adding an artistic touch to the gift. 

Fragrant Sandalwood and Gold Coin 

To represent the donation of land (Bhudaan), a fragrant piece of sandalwood sourced from Mysore, Karnataka, is included in the box. This sandalwood carries a distinct aroma and reflects the craftsmanship of the region. Additionally, a 24K pure and hallmarked gold coin, handcrafted in Rajasthan, signifies the donation of gold (Hiranyadaan). 

Diverse Donations and Artistic Creations 

The box also contains various other items, each representing a specific donation: 

• Til or white sesame seeds sourced from Tamil Nadu symbolize the donation of sesame seeds (Tildaan).  
• Ghee or clarified butter from Punjab signifies the donation of clarified butter (Ajyadaan).  
• A handwoven textured tussar silk cloth sourced from Jharkhand symbolizes the donation of cloth (Vastradaan).  
• Long-grained rice from Uttarakhand represents the donation of food grains (Dhaanyadaan).  
• Jaggery from Maharashtra signifies the donation of jaggery (Guddaan).  
• A 99.5% pure and hallmarked silver coin, aesthetically crafted by artisans from Rajasthan, symbolizes the donation of silver (Raupyadaan).  
• Salt from Gujarat is included to represent the donation of salt (Lavandaan). 

A Gift for First Lady Jill Biden 

PM Modi presented First Lady Jill Biden with a remarkable lab-grown 7.5-carat green diamond. This unique diamond reflects the chemical and optical properties of earth-mined diamonds. What makes it even more special is its eco-friendly nature. The diamond’s creation involved the utilization of diversified resources such as solar and wind power. To house this precious gem, a ‘kar-e-kalamdani’ papier mache box, crafted with intricate designs, was gifted to Jill Biden. 

The Gift of Knowledge 

In addition to these tangible gifts, Prime Minister Modi also presented President Biden with a copy of the first edition print of ‘The Ten Principal Upanishads’. Published by M/s Faber and Faber Ltd of London, this book holds significant philosophical and spiritual wisdom. 

Month: Current Affairs - June, 2023

Category: International / World Current Affairs