PM Gifts Biden a 'Delhi-Delaware' Antique silver Train and a Pashmina Shawl for First Lady

During his visit to Wilmington, Delaware, prime minister Narendra Modi presented US President Joe Biden with a beautifully crafted silver train model, symbolically inscribed with “Delhi-Delaware” to represent the strong ties between india and the United States. First Lady Jill Biden received a luxurious pashmina shawl, presented in an intricately designed papier-mâché box.

Modi's visit coincided with the Quad Leaders’ meeting, after which he traveled to New York to participate in significant discussions at the United Nations as part of his three-day trip to the US. The antique silver train, crafted by artisans from Maharashtra, showcases exquisite indian metalworking artistry, featuring intricate filigree and composed of 92.5% silver. The model carries inscriptions of “DELHI-DELAWARE” on the main carriage and “INDIAN RAILWAYS” on the engine in both english and Hindi, reflecting the aesthetic norms of indian passenger trains. This gift pays homage to the era of steam locomotives, blending artistic craftsmanship with historical significance, and highlighting the global influence of the indian Railways.

In selecting the pashmina shawl for Jill Biden, Modi chose an emblem of Jammu and Kashmir's rich textile heritage. These shawls are regarded as the pinnacle of craftsmanship and are being modernized by contemporary designers who explore vibrant colors and innovative patterns. The making of a pashmina shawl begins with the Changthangi goat, whose winter coat provides the fine pashm fiber. Skilled artisans hand-comb this material and spin it into yarn using traditional techniques. Each shawl is dyed with natural hues derived from plants and minerals, often considered heirlooms passed down through generations.

Pashmina shawls traditionally arrive in exquisite papier-mâché boxes from Jammu and Kashmir. Each box is handcrafted from a mixture of paper pulp and natural materials, showcasing the region's rich cultural heritage. These boxes serve both as protective packaging and decorative art pieces.

During the Quad meeting, Modi was joined by the Prime Ministers of australia and Japan, Anthony Albanese and Fumio Kishida. He also held bilateral talks with Biden and the other leaders on the summit's sidelines. In New York, Modi is scheduled to engage with the indian community in Long Island on september 22, address the Summit of the Future at the UN General assembly the following day, and participate in a roundtable with American CEOs focused on cutting-edge technologies such as AI, quantum computing, and semiconductors.
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Balasahana Suresh

22/09/2024 03:20 PM