{"id":23713,"date":"2026-06-19T16:00:18","date_gmt":"2026-06-19T10:30:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/banitoday.com\/india-france-relations-from-kalamkari-to-ayurveda-pm-modis-gifts-to-french-and-slovak-leaders-showcase-indias-cultural-heritage-india-news\/"},"modified":"2026-06-19T16:00:18","modified_gmt":"2026-06-19T10:30:18","slug":"india-france-relations-from-kalamkari-to-ayurveda-pm-modis-gifts-to-french-and-slovak-leaders-showcase-indias-cultural-heritage-india-news","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/banitoday.com\/hi\/india-france-relations-from-kalamkari-to-ayurveda-pm-modis-gifts-to-french-and-slovak-leaders-showcase-indias-cultural-heritage-india-news\/","title":{"rendered":"India France Relations: From Kalamkari to Ayurveda: PM Modi\u2019s gifts to French and Slovak leaders showcase India\u2019s cultural heritage | India News"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"e9jwa\">\n<div class=\"vdo_embedd\">\n<div class=\"GfdvZ\">\n<section class=\"_bIDB  clearfix id-r-component leadmedia undefined undefined  E9tg9 \" style=\"top:0px\">\n<div class=\"_bIDB\" data-ua-type=\"1\" onclick=\"stpPgtnAndPrvntDefault(event)\">\n<div class=\"ypVvZ\">\n<div class=\"WGttI\"><img src=\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/thumb\/msid-131855663,imgsize-789164,width-400,height-225,resizemode-4\/pm-modi.jpg\" alt=\"From Kalamkari to Ayurveda: PM Modi\u2019s gifts to French and Slovak leaders showcase India\u2019s cultural heritage\" title=\"File photo\" decoding=\"async\" fetchpriority=\"high\"\/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi showcased India&#8217;s rich artistic, textile and intellectual heritage through a range of traditional gifts presented to leaders and dignitaries during his recent visit to France and Slovakia.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"2\"\/>The gifts, which included a hand-crafted Kalamkari Mahabharata painting, ancient Ayurvedic texts, handwoven textiles and tribal artworks, reflected India&#8217;s diverse cultural traditions and craftsmanship.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"5\"\/>PM Modi returned to New Delhi on Friday after concluding his two-nation visit.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"7\"\/>The ministry of external affairs said the visit added fresh momentum to the India-France Special Global Strategic Partnership and strengthened cooperation across key sectors.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"11\"\/><\/p>\n<p><h3><b>Kalamkari artwork for Macron, Pochampally stole for First Lady<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"13\"\/>French President Emmanuel Macron received a hand-crafted Kalamkari Mahabharata painting from Andhra Pradesh.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"15\"\/><\/p>\n<div data-pos=\"0\" class=\"id-r-component iIpbx undefined  &#10;        \">\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Kalamkari Mahabharata Painting\" msid=\"131855580\" width=\"\" title=\"Gift given by PM Narendra Modi to French President Emmanuel Macron \" placeholdersrc=\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/photo\/83033472.cms\" imgsize=\"\" resizemode=\"4\" offsetvertical=\"0\" placeholdermsid=\"47529300\" type=\"thumb\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/photo\/msid-131855580\/kalamkari-mahabharata-painting.jpg\" data-api-prerender=\"true\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Gift given by PM Narendra Modi to French President Emmanuel Macron <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>The artwork took nearly six months to complete and was created using traditional pen-drawing techniques. It depicts scenes from the Mahabharata and explores themes of duty, justice, courage and moral choice.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"18\"\/>Brigitte Macron was gifted a Pochampally Silk Stole from Telangana.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"20\"\/><\/p>\n<div data-pos=\"0\" class=\"id-r-component iIpbx undefined  &#10;        \">\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Pochampally Silk Stole&lt;br&gt;\" msid=\"131855613\" width=\"\" title=\"Gift given by PM Narendra Modi to Brigitte Macron, wife of French President Emmanuel Macron\" placeholdersrc=\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/photo\/83033472.cms\" imgsize=\"\" resizemode=\"4\" offsetvertical=\"0\" placeholdermsid=\"47529300\" type=\"thumb\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/photo\/msid-131855613\/pochampally-silk-stolebr.jpg\" data-api-prerender=\"true\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Gift given by PM Narendra Modi to Brigitte Macron, wife of French President Emmanuel Macron<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>The handwoven textile is crafted using the traditional Ikat resist-dyeing technique and is known for its intricate geometric and floral patterns, fine craftsmanship and elegant design.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"24\"\/><\/p>\n<p><h3><b>Traditional Kashmiri and Dokra crafts gifted in Slovakia<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"26\"\/>Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico received a Kashmiri Silk Carpet, one of the Valley&#8217;s most celebrated hand-knotted crafts.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"28\"\/><\/p>\n<div data-pos=\"0\" class=\"id-r-component iIpbx undefined  &#10;        \">\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Kashmiri Silk Carpet\" msid=\"131855531\" width=\"\" title=\"Gift given by PM Modi to PM of Slovakia Robert Fico\" placeholdersrc=\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/photo\/83033472.cms\" imgsize=\"\" resizemode=\"4\" offsetvertical=\"0\" placeholdermsid=\"47529300\" type=\"thumb\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/photo\/msid-131855531\/kashmiri-silk-carpet.jpg\" data-api-prerender=\"true\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Gift given by PM Modi to PM of Slovakia Robert Fico<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>The carpet is made from natural silk and features intricate floral, paisley, vine and medallion motifs inspired by Kashmir&#8217;s artistic traditions and natural beauty.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"31\"\/>President Peter Pellegrini was presented with a Brass Dokra Antelope Set, showcasing the ancient Dokra metal-casting tradition practised by tribal artisans in Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Jharkhand and West Bengal.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"34\"\/><\/p>\n<div data-pos=\"0\" class=\"id-r-component iIpbx undefined  &#10;        \">\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Brass Dokra Antelope Set\" msid=\"131855465\" width=\"\" title=\"Gift given by PM Modi to President of Slovakia Peter Pellegrini \" placeholdersrc=\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/photo\/83033472.cms\" imgsize=\"\" resizemode=\"4\" offsetvertical=\"0\" placeholdermsid=\"47529300\" type=\"thumb\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/photo\/msid-131855465\/brass-dokra-antelope-set.jpg\" data-api-prerender=\"true\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Gift given by PM Modi to President of Slovakia Peter Pellegrini <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Crafted using the lost-wax casting technique, each piece is unique and reflects themes of nature, folklore and rural life.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"37\"\/>Pellegrini was also gifted a Himroo Silk Tie and Pocket Square set from Aurangabad.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"39\"\/><\/p>\n<div data-pos=\"0\" class=\"id-r-component iIpbx undefined  &#10;        \">\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Himroo Silk Tie &amp;amp; Pocket Square&lt;br&gt;\" msid=\"131855427\" width=\"\" title=\"Gift given by PM Modi to President of Slovakia Peter Pellegrini \" placeholdersrc=\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/photo\/83033472.cms\" imgsize=\"\" resizemode=\"4\" offsetvertical=\"0\" placeholdermsid=\"47529300\" type=\"thumb\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/photo\/msid-131855427\/himroo-silk-tie-amp-pocket-squarebr.jpg\" data-api-prerender=\"true\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Gift given by PM Modi to President of Slovakia Peter Pellegrini <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>The textile, woven from a silk-cotton blend, is known for its reversible weave, soft texture and intricate floral and paisley motifs.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"42\"\/>Additionally, he received handcrafted Thewa Motif Cufflinks from Rajasthan&#8217;s Pratapgarh region.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"45\"\/><\/p>\n<div data-pos=\"0\" class=\"id-r-component iIpbx undefined  &#10;        \">\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Thewa Motif Cufflinks\" msid=\"131855387\" width=\"\" title=\"Gift given by PM Modi to President of Slovakia Peter Pellegrini\" placeholdersrc=\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/photo\/83033472.cms\" imgsize=\"\" resizemode=\"4\" offsetvertical=\"0\" placeholdermsid=\"47529300\" type=\"thumb\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/photo\/msid-131855387\/thewa-motif-cufflinks.jpg\" data-api-prerender=\"true\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Gift given by PM Modi to President of Slovakia Peter Pellegrini<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>The cufflinks feature finely engraved gold sheets fused onto coloured glass using the rare Thewa jewellery-making technique.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"48\"\/><\/p>\n<p><h3><b>Ancient Ayurvedic texts presented to Slovak Speaker<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"50\"\/>Speaker of the Slovak Parliament Richard Ra\u0161i was gifted copies of the Charaka Samhita and Susruta Samhita, two foundational texts of Ayurveda.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"52\"\/><\/p>\n<div data-pos=\"0\" class=\"id-r-component iIpbx undefined  &#10;        \">\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Charaka Samhita and Susruta Samhita\" msid=\"131855336\" width=\"\" title=\"Gifts given by PM Modi to Speaker of Slovakia Richard Ra\u0161i\" placeholdersrc=\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/photo\/83033472.cms\" imgsize=\"\" resizemode=\"4\" offsetvertical=\"0\" placeholdermsid=\"47529300\" type=\"thumb\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/photo\/msid-131855336\/charaka-samhita-and-susruta-samhita.jpg\" data-api-prerender=\"true\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Gifts given by PM Modi to Speaker of Slovakia Richard Ra\u0161i<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>The Charaka Samhita, attributed to Acharya Charaka, presents a systematic understanding of health, disease, physiology and well-being and remains an important source of medical knowledge.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"56\"\/>The Susruta Samhita, attributed to the physician Susruta, is regarded as one of the earliest and most significant works on surgery. It documents advanced surgical procedures, instruments, anatomy and medical treatments, including reconstructive techniques such as rhinoplasty.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"58\"\/>Ra\u0161i was also presented with Thekua, a traditional sweet snack from Bihar and Jharkhand made from wheat flour, jaggery or sugar, fennel seeds and ghee.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"61\"\/><\/p>\n<div data-pos=\"0\" class=\"id-r-component iIpbx undefined  &#10;        \">\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"PM Modi's gift Slovakia leader\" msid=\"131855242\" width=\"\" title=\"Thekua gifted to Speaker of Slovakia Richard Ra\u0161i by PM Modi \" placeholdersrc=\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/photo\/83033472.cms\" imgsize=\"\" resizemode=\"4\" offsetvertical=\"0\" placeholdermsid=\"47529300\" type=\"thumb\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/photo\/msid-131855242\/pm-modis-gift-slovakia-leader.jpg\" data-api-prerender=\"true\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Thekua gifted to Speaker of Slovakia Richard Ra\u0161i by PM Modi <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Widely associated with Chhath Puja, the delicacy is known for its long shelf life and cultural significance.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"64\"\/><\/p>\n<p><h3><b>Visit focused on innovation and strategic ties<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"66\"\/>The gifts formed part of PM Modi&#8217;s engagements in France and Slovakia, where discussions focused on innovation, technology, economic cooperation and strategic partnerships.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"68\"\/>PM Modi described the France visit as &#8220;extensive&#8221; in terms of both engagements and outcomes, covering programmes in Nice, the G7 Summit in \u00c9vian-les-Bains, VivaTech 2026 in Paris and meetings with business leaders.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"70\"\/>The Prime Minister said the India-France friendship would become even stronger in the years ahead.<\/div>\n<p><br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/timesofindia.indiatimes.com\/india\/from-kalamkari-to-ayurveda-pm-modis-gifts-to-french-and-slovak-leaders-showcase-indias-cultural-heritage\/articleshow\/131855125.cms\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi showcased India&#8217;s rich artistic, textile and intellectual heritage through a range of traditional gifts presented to leaders and dignitaries during his recent visit to France and Slovakia.The gifts, which included a hand-crafted Kalamkari Mahabharata painting, ancient Ayurvedic texts, handwoven textiles and tribal artworks, reflected India&#8217;s diverse cultural traditions and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":23714,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[133],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-23713","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-country"],"amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/banitoday.com\/hi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23713","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/banitoday.com\/hi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/banitoday.com\/hi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/banitoday.com\/hi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/banitoday.com\/hi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23713"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/banitoday.com\/hi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23713\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/banitoday.com\/hi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/23714"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/banitoday.com\/hi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23713"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/banitoday.com\/hi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23713"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/banitoday.com\/hi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23713"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}