From Namoh'108 Lotus to Banarasi Silk: PM Modi presents cultural souvenirs to Vietnamese President To Lam

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday presented a carefully curated selection of gifts reflecting the countrys rich spiritual artistic and cultural traditions to Vietnamese President To Lam during his threeday visit to IndiaThe gifts included the specially developed Namoh 108 lotus a handcrafted brass Buddha sculpture with a Bodhi tree motif and exquisite silk fabric from VaranasiEach item carried deep symbolic and cultural significance showcasing Indias heritage and craftsmanshipAmong the most distinctive gifts was the Namoh 108 lotus a unique variety of Indias national flower developed by the National Botanical Research Institute NBRI in Uttar Pradeshs LucknowThe flower is considered significant not only botanically but also spiritually as it acts as a living bridge between Indias ancient traditions and modern scientific achievementThe lotus was specially developed with exactly 108 petals a number considered sacred in Hinduism Buddhism and Jainism The number 108 is associated with meditation malas sacred sites across the Indian subcontinent and several cosmic calculations in Vedic traditions making the flower a representation of spiritual completeness and harmonyThe name Namoh is derived from the Sanskrit term meaning salutation or obeisance linking the flower with traditional mantras and prayers and adding to its spiritual symbolismPrime Minister Modi also gifted a brass sculpture of Lord Buddha seated in a meditative posture beneath an intricately designed Bodhi tree canopyThe sculpture depicts Buddha in the Abhaya Mudra with the right hand raised as a symbol of fearlessness and protection while the left hand rests on the lap holding a bowl symbolising compassion and nourishmentThe gift carried added significance as President To Lam at the beginning of his India visit had travelled to Bodh Gaya in Bihar to offer prayers at the Mahabodhi TempleThe brass artwork displayed remarkable detailing particularly in the delicate branching patterns of the Bodhi tree giving the piece a spiritual and organic appearanceThe sculpture was crafted by artisans from Moradabad in Uttar Pradesh a city internationally known for its generationsold brass craftsmanship and intricate metalwork traditionsAnother gift presented during the visit was a luxurious silk fabric originating from Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh a city renowned for centuries for its royal brocades and exceptional textile heritageThe fabric featured an elegant toneontone jacquard weave with interconnected floral and vine motifs Designed to blend Indian and Vietnamese cultural aesthetics the Banarasiinspired silk was envisioned as ideal for crafting the traditional Vietnamese Ao daiAlongside the ceremonial gifts a specially curated selection of Indian delicacies was also served during President To Lams visitThe menu highlighted regional specialities from Bihar and Maharashtra reflecting Indias diverse culinary traditionsThe dishes included Silao Khaja Gaya Anarsa Mithila Makhana and Hajipur Malbhog Banana from Bihar along with Ratnagiri mangoes and millet bars from MaharashtraSilao Khaja a traditional sweet from Silao in Bihars Nalanda district is recognised with a Geographical Indication GI tag and is known for its layered texture and unique preparation styleGaya Anarsa another delicacy from Bihar is celebrated for its distinct taste and cultural importance and is regarded as a reflection of the regions rich culinary heritage and traditional craftsmanshipMithila Makhana commonly known as fox nuts or lotus seeds is a premium agricultural product from Bihars Mithila region and also carries a GI tag for its unique origin and superior qualityHajipur Malbhog Banana cultivated in the fertile plains of Bihar is recognised for its natural sweetness rich aroma and creamy texture making it one of the states most valued horticultural productsThe menu also featured Ratnagiri mangoes popularly known as Alphonso or Hapus mangoes which are among Maharashtras finest mango varieties and are GItagged for their exceptional taste and qualityHealthy millet bars were also served as part of the hospitality menuMillets which are widely cultivated in regions such as Solapur Ahmednagar and the Marathwada belt of Maharashtra are considered climateresilient crops rich in fibre protein and essential mineralsPresented in the form of nutritious snack bars the millets symbolised a blend of traditional Indian agriculture and modern healthy food innovation showcasing how ancient grains are being adapted into contemporary lifestylesThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever