Silver train model for Joe Biden, Pashmina for Jill: The significance of PM Modi's gifts

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has gifted US President Joe Biden a silver train model and First Lady Jill Biden a pashmina.

Modi, who is on a visit to the United States, met Biden ahead of the Quad Summit in his hometown of Wilmington in Delaware.

But what is the significance of Modi’s gifts for the Bidens?

Let’s take a closer look:

Silver train model for Joe

Modi gifted Biden an antique silver hand-engraved train model.

The piece – made by master artisans from Maharashtra, which is known for its rich heritage of silver craftsmanship – showcases the pinnacle of Indian metalworking artistry.

The piece which is made up of 92.5 per cent silver has intricate filigree work.

A tribute to the steam locomotive era, it merges artistic brilliance and historical significance.

The model also pays tribute to the India-US relationship with the world ‘Delhi-Delaware’ inscribed on the sides of the main carriage and ‘Indian Railways’ on the sides of the engine in English and Hindi.

The model set is a testament to the exceptional skill of the artisan as well as a tribute to the long history of Indian railways and its global influences.

This is also the perfect gift to Biden – who has made no secret of his love for trains.

In fact, sections of the press had dubbed the president ‘Amtrak Joe’ for his love of the US rail operator.

“It’s no secret I love trains. I’ve taken more than 7,000 round trips on Amtrak over the course of my career. When there was a chance to take a train trip to meet voters, it was full steam ahead,” Biden wrote on Instagram in October 2020.

Biden during his 2020 campaign had vowed to “spark the second great railroad revolution to propel our nation’s infrastructure into the future and help solve the climate emergency.”

Pashmina for Jill

For the First Lady, Modi picked a pashmina shawl in a papier mache box.

Pashmina shawls are considered the apex of Jammu and Kashmir’s rich and fine legacy of handcraft.

Contemporary designers are incorporating modern sensibilities, experimenting with bolder colours, playful patterns, and even fusion styles.

This ensures the legacy of Pashmina remains relevant, captivating hearts across generations and cultures.

Pashmina was discovered in the 16th Century when India was under Mughal rule.

It is made from the fleece of Changthangi Goat found only 15,000 feet above sea level in Ladakh.

Its winter coat, known as Pashm, is the soul of the shawl. This incredibly fine and soft fiber is hand-combed

Crafted by hand, Pashminas are famed for their softness and warmth.

Families have passed down the skill of weaving a pashmina from generation to generation.

Pashmina shawls traditionally come packed in papier mache boxes from J-K, that are renowned for their exquisite beauty and craftsmanship. These boxes are handmade using a mixture of paper pulp, glue, and other natural materials.

Each box is a unique work of art, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Kashmir. These boxes are not only functional but also serve as decorative items in their own right.

With inputs from agencies