Inscribed with ‘Delhi-Delaware’ to signify the robust ties between India and US, a silver train model crafted by Maharashtra’s artisans was gifted to US President Joe Biden by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (September 22). First Lady Jill Biden, meanwhile, received a pashmina shawl in a papier mache box as a gift, officials said.
Modi was in Biden’s hometown of Wilmington, Delaware, to attend the Quad Leaders’ meeting. He has now left for New York to address a key conclave at the United Nations, as part of his three-day trip to the US.
The antique hand-engraved train is an example of a rare and extraordinary piece masterfully crafted, showcasing the pinnacle of Indian metalworking artistry. It involves intricate filigree work and is made of 92.5 per cent silver, as per officials.
Officials said the model has been customised by inscribing “DELHI-DELAWARE” on the sides of the main carriage and “INDIAN RAILWAYS” on the sides of the engine in English and Hindi based on the standard format used on passenger trains in India.
They said the creation is a tribute to the steam locomotive era, with artistic brilliance merging with historical significance. It not only highlights the artisan’s exceptional skill but also serves as a glowing testimony to the long history of the Indian Railways and its global influence, they added.
Pashmina gift ensures its legacy remains relevant
Modi chose a pashmina shawl for Jill Biden. These shawls are considered the apogee of Jammu and Kashmir’s rich and fine legacy of handwork, officials said. Contemporary designers are now incorporating modern sensibilities, experimenting with bolder colours, playful patterns, and even fusion styles.
With this gift, the prime minister has ensured that the legacy of Pashmina remains relevant. The story of a Pashmina shawl begins with the Changthangi goat, native to the high altitudes of Ladakh. Its winter coat, known as pashm, is the material used for the shawl. The fine and soft fibre is hand-combed while skilled artisans spin it into yarn, often by hand, using traditional techniques passed down through generations.
The palette of each Pashmina shawl is as diverse as the land it belongs to, with natural dyes derived from plants and minerals used in the fabric with vibrant hues. These shawls are considered heirlooms, passed down through generations.
Officials further said pashmina shawls traditionally come packed in papier mache boxes from J&K, and are renowned for their exquisite beauty and craftsmanship. The 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 are not only functional but also serve as a decorative item in their own right, they added.
The Quad meeting was also attended by the PMs of Australia and Japan, Anthony Albanese and Fumio Kishida. The PM also held bilateral meetings with Biden and his counterparts from Australia and Japan, on the sidelines of the summit.
In New York, he will attend an Indian community event at Long Island on September 22 and address the Summit of the Future at the UN General Assembly the next day. His other engagements include taking part in a round table with CEOs of American firms working on cutting-edge technologies such as AI, quantum computing and semiconductors.
(With PTI inputs)
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