PM Narendra Modi met the Swedish PM Magdalena Andersson in the Danish capital Copenhagen where both the leaders discussed ways to deepen bilateral ties and the progress in the Joint Action Plan, thereafter, PM Modi gifted a Pashmina stole to Andersson as a goodwill gesture, which was packed in a Papier Mache box from J&K.
Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State in the PMO, tweeted:
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifted a Pashmina stole in a Papier Mache box from Jammu and Kashmir to Prime Minister of Sweden Magdalena Andersson”.
The Kashmiri Pashmina stoles have been treasured for their rare material, exquisite craftsmanship, and reminiscent designs since time immemorial.
The box in which the stole was packed is a Kashmir Papier Mache box which is handcrafted and coloured. The piece is hand-painted in a floral design depicting the flora and fauna of the Kashmir valley. The design used in this piece is an intricate pattern drawn with a fine thin brush.
Water-based colours and natural pigments have been used in this piece. Pure gold foil and paint have been used in the design which imparts a royal look to the piece. Finally, the piece is coated with lacquer which protects it from water and gives extra durability.
Pashmina is an exclusive art of the Union Territory of Kashmir which is known for producing one of the finest Pashmina stoles. The wool used for making Pashmina stoles comes from a special breed of Kashmiri goat found in the high-altitude regions of the Himalayas.
PM Modi gifted a Dokra boat from Chattisgarh to Fredrik, Crown Prince of Denmark. Dokra is a non–ferrous metal and cast using the lost-wax casting technique that has been in use in India for over 4,000 years.
Meanwhile, To Queen Margrethe II of Denmark, PM Modi gifted a Rogan painting from Gujarat. Rogan painting is a form of cloth printing practised in Gujarat’s Kutch. In this craft, paint made from boiled oil and vegetable dyes is laid down on fabric using either a metal block (printing) or a stylus (painting). PM Modi has so far visited Germany and Denmark, and is now on his way to France. France will be Modi’s last stop before he leaves for India. He met a number of top leaders of these countries as well as some other Nordic nations during the trip. He had a special gift for most of the dignitaries he met.
