Modi gifts silver 'Delhi-Delaware' train to Biden, Pashmina shawl to First Lady

PM gifts silver 'Delhi-Delaware' train to Biden, Pashmina shawl to First Lady

During his three-day US visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifted President Joe Biden a rare, antique silver hand-engraved train model crafted by Maharashtra artisans and also presented a Pashmina shawl in a papier-mâché box to First Lady Jill Biden.  

The hand-engraved train model is a 'vintage' model and is a rare and extraordinary piece, meticulously crafted by artisans from Maharashtra, a region known for its rich silver craftsmanship heritage.

Made from 92.5% silver, the model showcases the finest Indian metalworking techniques, featuring intricate details achieved through traditional methods such as engraving, repoussé (hammered designs), and delicate filigree work. The piece pays homage to the steam locomotive era, blending artistic brilliance with historical significance.  

To symbolize the strong ties between India and the US, the model was customized with "DELHI - DELAWARE" inscribed on the sides of the main carriage and "INDIAN RAILWAYS" engraved on the engine in both English and Hindi, following the format commonly seen on Indian passenger trains.

This masterpiece not only highlights the extraordinary skill of Indian artisans but also serves as a tribute to the long and storied history of Indian railways and its global impact.

In addition, Prime Minister Modi gifted a Pashmina shawl in a papier-mâché box to US First Lady Jill Biden.

The story of a Pashmina shawl begins with the Changthangi goat, native to the high altitudes of Ladakh. Its soft winter coat, called Pashm, forms the essence of the shawl. 

The fiber, known for its exceptional softness and fineness, is hand-combed and spun by skilled artisans using time-honored techniques passed down through generations.