PM Modi Presents Curated Indian Crafts to Seychelles Leadership
Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented a selection of traditional Indian crafts to the top leadership of Seychelles during his three-day official visit to the island nation. The gifts, including a Muradabadi Brass Tortoise and Kanchivaram Silk fabric, were chosen to highlight India's handloom heritage and artisanal brilliance while reflecting shared environmental values between New Delhi and Victoria.
Gift for President Patrick Herminie: Muradabadi Brass Tortoise
Seychelles President Patrick Herminie received a Muradabadi Brass Tortoise, handcrafted by skilled metalsmiths from Moradabad in Uttar Pradesh, globally known as India's "Brass City." The piece showcases expertise in metal casting, engraving, and finishing. In Indian philosophy, the tortoise symbolizes wisdom, stability, resilience, and longevity. The gift holds special significance for Seychelles, whose natural heritage is intimately connected to the iconic Aldabra Giant Tortoise, making it a thoughtful bridge between India's craftsmanship and the island nation's ecological identity.
Gifts for First Lady Veronique Herminie: Maheshwari Silk Stole and Bidriware Box
First Lady Veronique Herminie received two exquisite examples of Indian artistry: a Maheshwari Silk Stole and a Bidriware Box. The Maheshwari Silk Stole, from Maheshwar in Madhya Pradesh, blends fine silk and cotton yarns with delicate geometric and floral motifs in soft hues, representing a refined handloom tradition preserved for generations. The Bidriware Box, from Bidar in Karnataka, features bright silver inlay against a deep black, oxidized metallic surface, with geometric and floral motifs meticulously inlaid by hand with fine silver wire.
Gift for Vice President Sebastien Pillay: Orchid Art Painting from Sikkim
Vice President Sebastien Pillay received an Orchid Art Painting from Sikkim, chosen by the Prime Minister. The artwork blends the state's floral heritage with India's national bird, the peacock, gracefully depicted amidst delicate orchid blooms and intricate vines. The painting captures diplomatic resonance: the peacock reflects India's cultural soul, while the orchid is the National Flower of Seychelles, symbolizing both nations' shared commitment to environmental conservation and biodiversity.
Gift for Second Lady Lina Pillay: Kanchivaram Silk Fabric
Second Lady Lina Pillay, wife of Vice President Sebastien Pillay, received a magnificent Kanchivaram Silk Fabric. Originating from the historic temple town of Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu, the fabric features a rich maroon field decorated with gold zari motifs and a striking border of red, green, and gold. Inspired by traditional temple architecture and nature, this Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged and One District One Product (ODOP)-recognized silk represents the peak of Indian handloom weaving.
Gift for National Assembly Speaker Azarel Ernesta: Toda Embroidered Shawl
Seychelles National Assembly Speaker Azarel Ernesta received a Toda Embroidered Shawl, crafted entirely by hand by the Toda community, an indigenous pastoral people from the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu. Woven on a white cotton base, it features bold red and black geometric embroidery executed via a unique, age-old hand-weaving technique known as Pukhoor. Traditionally worn during sacred ceremonies, the shawl represents the preservation of indigenous knowledge and mirrors Seychelles' commitment to protecting its cultural heritage.
Visit Outcomes and Honor
The Prime Minister wrapped up his landmark three-day visit on Monday, leaving for India after sealing 19 significant geopolitical outcomes across sectors like defence, space, and healthcare. He was also conferred with the 'Guardian of the Blue Horizon' honour by President Herminie.
