Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented gifts crafted from Rajasthan's renowned Thewa, Meenakari, Kundan, and Jaipur Blue Pottery to various heads of state

New Delhi/Jaipur: Upon returning home from a foreign tour spanning five nations—the United Arab Emirates, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Italy—Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented special gifts rooted in Rajasthan's traditional arts to various heads of state and distinguished guests. Among the recipients, several foreign leaders—including the Dutch King and Queen—were presented with exquisite gifts crafted using Rajasthan's celebrated Thewa art, Meenakari, and Kundan craftsmanship. These pieces were designed by Jaipur-based Meenakari National Awarded artist Deepak Sankit.

In addition to artistic creations blending Thewa, Meenakari, and Kundan techniques, Prime Minister Modi also presented items crafted from Jaipur's world-renowned Blue Pottery as gifts to foreign heads of state. These traditional arts of Rajasthan are not merely forms of jewelry or decorative objects; rather, they are regarded as symbols of India's rich cultural heritage and exceptional craftsmanship.

Through these gifts, Prime Minister Modi also showcased India's ethos of "Local for Global" and "Vocal for Local" on the global stage. During his foreign tours, Prime Minister Modi has consistently promoted Indian culture globally by presenting traditional arts and handicrafts from various Indian states as diplomatic gifts.

On this occasion, Prime Minister Modi specifically selected Rajasthan's traditional arts—procuring the items through 'Rajasthali,' an initiative of the Rajasthan Small Industries Corporation (RAJSICO)—to choose artistic creations blending Thewa, Meenakari, and Kundan, as well as Jaipur Blue Pottery items, as gifts for foreign heads of state. This initiative is being hailed as a matter of pride for Rajasthan's artisans and its handicrafts industry, as it is expected to boost both the global recognition and the international demand for these art forms. 

Describing the distinctive features of the world-renowned Thewa art—hailing from the Pratapgarh district of Southern Rajasthan—Raghav Rajsoni explained that this celebrated art form involves intricate gold engraving upon colored glass. This craft dates back centuries and is regarded as a unique form of Rajasthani handicraft. Similarly, the arts of Meenakari and Kundan are equally unparalleled; Meenakari involves etching colorful designs onto metal, while Kundan art entails setting precious stones within layers of gold.

Raghav Rajsoni further noted that, in recognition of the unique and peerless art of Thewa, his late father, Mahesh Rajsoni, was honored with the prestigious Padma Shri award at the hands of the President of India.