In the recently concluded BRICS Summit in Kazan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifted exquisite artworks from Jharkhand and Maharashtra to state heads of Russia, Iran and Uzbekistan.
The gifts that PM Modi gave to world leaders include Jharkhand’s popular Sohrai Painting to Russian President Vladimir Putin, a Mother of Pearl vase to the President of Iran, and a Warli painting to the President of Uzbekistan.
With PM Modi gifting captivating paintings and exquisite artwork to the world leaders, the artisans and craftsmen of both states saw their products shine on a global platform.
Sohrai Painting: A timeless folk art tradition
The Sohrai painting from Jharkhand’s Hazaribagh district is a beautiful representation of the region's indigenous artistic traditions and is recognised as an ODOP (One District One Product) item.
Sohrai paintings are known for their use of natural pigments and simple tools. Artists often use brushes made from twigs, rice straw, or even fingers to create intricate designs. They have been traditionally created by women, especially during festivals and harvest seasons. The art is a form of gratitude for the harvest and is believed to bring good fortune for the coming year.
Mother of Pearl Vase: A masterpiece of coastal craftsmanship
The Mother of Pearl (MOP) sea shell vase from Maharashtra is a captivating example of fine craftsmanship that combines natural beauty with the rich artisanal tradition of the region.
Mother of Pearl, known for its iridescent shimmer, is sourced from the inner layer of certain mollusc shells. It has been prized in many cultures for its symbolic associations with purity, tranquillity, and prosperity.
The vase features a visually appealing mosaic design, with small, carefully cut pieces of Mother of Pearl in various shades of yellow, black, white, and gray. It represents the perfect blend of nature’s beauty and human craftsmanship. By using sustainable materials from the sea and traditional techniques, artisans create pieces that are as timeless as they are beautiful.
Warli Painting: A traditional art with a modern identity
Warli painting is a tribal art form originating from the Warli tribe primarily located in the Dahanu, Talasari and Palghar regions of Maharashtra, India, renowned for its simplicity and deep connection to nature and daily life. This tribal art form is one of the oldest in India, with roots tracing back to around 3000 BCE.
The art was traditionally created by Warli women on the walls of their mud homes during special occasions like weddings and harvest festivals. Through their art, they documented their lifestyle, customs, and rituals in a visual storytelling format that transcended language.
What makes Warli art distinctive is its monochromatic colour scheme. Traditionally, Warli artists used a white pigment made from rice paste, applied on the earthen, red ochre background of the mud walls. Warli painting is more than just an art form—it is a living narrative of tribal culture, spirituality, and life’s simple yet profound truths.
Identify Pakistani nationals and send them back: Home Minister tells Chief Ministers
Days after the Modi government announced diplomatic measures against Pakistan over the gruesome terror attack in J&K's Pahalgam, Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday asked all the Chief Ministers to identify all Pakistani nationals staying in their states and take necessary steps for their deportation.
Pahalgam attack exposes Hamas-Pak link, spreading terror dungeons from PoK to Bangladesh
The deadly alliance between terror outfit Hamas and Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), now expanding its network and operations from the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) to the streets of Bangladesh, lies exposed once again after Tuesday's barbaric killing of innocent civilians in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam.
Waqf Act amended to prevent encroachment of government properties, Centre to SC
The Centre, in an affidavit filed before the Supreme Court, said that it brought amendments to the Waqf Act, 1995, to prevent abuse of waqf legislation which resulted in the encroachment of government properties, apart from ensuring that the Waqf Boards in the country are properly administered and function with transparency.
Pahalgam terror attack: Muslim community protests wearing black bands; demands strict action
Mosques across cities including Hyderabad, Delhi, Bhopal, Varanasi, and Lucknow witnessed a wave of solidarity as Muslim worshippers wore black bands on their arms as a mark of mourning and resistance against terrorism during the Juma Namaz (Friday prayers).
Security forces apprehend 7 militants in Manipur, recover arms and stolen cars
Security forces in Manipur arrested seven militants belonging to different banned outfits from Imphal East and Imphal West districts, officials said on Friday.
NEET-UG paper leak mastermind Sanjeev Mukhiya arrested in Patna
Sanjeev Mukhiya, the prime accused in the NEET-UG paper leak case, was arrested from the Saguna Mor under Danapur police station limits, here.
Will not allow you to speak anything about our freedom fighters: SC to Rahul Gandhi on Veer Savarkar row
The Supreme Court on Friday castigated Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi over his alleged derogatory remarks on freedom fighter Vinayak Damodar Savarkar.
LeT terror associate killed in J&K encounter, two security men injured
A terror associate was killed and two policemen were injured on Friday in an ongoing gunfight in Jammu and Kashmir’s Bandipora district. Officials said the security forces surrounded Ajas village in Bandipora district following information about the presence of terrorists there.