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From 7.5-carat green diamond to the 10 principal Upanishads: PM Modi's gifts for Bidens

by Trans World Features | @twfindia 22 Jun 2023, 08:08 am

Washington: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a warm welcome from US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden at the White House on Wednesday (according to local time) during his first official State visit.

PM Modi brought along a variety of presents for Joe and Jill Biden.

A laboratory-grown green diamond, weighing 7.5 carats, was among the gifts presented.

This remarkable creation replicates the chemical and optical characteristics of naturally mined diamonds.

Produced using sustainable resources such as solar and wind power, it also embodies eco-friendliness, as stated in the press release.

The exceptional gemstone exhibits the highest standards of excellence through its impeccable Cut, Colour, Carat, and Clarity, commonly known as the 4C's.

Representing a beacon of responsible luxury, it symbolises India's 75 years of freedom and commitment to sustainable international relations.

The diamond's creation also aligns with the “ethos of preserving the environment while offering a dazzling and ethically conscious alternative.”

The remarkable gemstone was carefully placed in a specially crafted box called "kar-e-kalamdani," showcasing the exquisite craftsmanship of Kashmir. Pictures of the diamond were also shared on Twitter by the news agency ANI, allowing viewers to marvel at its beauty.

PM Narendra Modi also presented a special gift to US President Joe Biden. The gift was a meticulously handcrafted sandalwood box adorned with 'das danam.'

The box was created by a master craftsman from Jaipur, Rajasthan and featured intricate carvings of flora and fauna patterns, enhancing its aesthetic appeal.

The sandalwood used in crafting the box was sourced from Mysore, Karnataka.

Within the box, there was a silver idol of Lord Ganesha, the revered Hindu deity known for removing obstacles.

The idol was expertly handcrafted by a family of fifth-generation silversmiths from Kolkata.

Til or white sesame seeds from Tamil Nadu, offered for tildaan (donation of sesame seeds).

Handcrafted in Rajasthan, this 24 karat hallmarked gold coin is offered as hiranyadaan (donation of gold).

A handwoven textured tussar silk cloth from Jharkhand is offered for vastradaan (donation of cloth).

Long-grained rice from Uttarakhand is offered for dhaanyadaan (donation of food grains).

Jaggery from Maharashtra is offered for guddaan (donation of jaggery).

A 99.5 per cent pure and hallmarked silver coin has been aesthetically crafted by Rajasthan artisans and is offered as raupyadaan (donation of silver).

Lavan or salt from Gujarat is offered for lavandaan (donation of salt).

During the private dinner, PM Modi gifted President Biden a first edition print of the book "The Ten Principal Upanishads" published by M/s Faber and Faber Ltd of London and printed at the University Press Glasgow was gifted to President Biden by PM Modi.

Translated by William Butler Yeats in collaboration with Shri Purohit Swami and published in 1937, the Upanishads state that the realisation of the Self (atmanjnana) is the highest of all knowledges.

Yeats, an Irish poet admired by President Biden, had a deep appreciation for Indian spirituality and played a role in popularising the works of Rabindranath Tagore in the Western world.

The translation and collaboration between the two authors occurred throughout 1930s and it was one of the final works of Yeats.

The gifts were exchanged during a private dinner hosted at the White House by Joe Biden and Jill Biden in honour of PM Narendra Modi.