Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented a unique sandalwood box to US President Joe Biden during a dinner at the White House. The box, sourced from Mysore and handcrafted by a master craftsman from Jaipur, features intricately carved flora and fauna patterns. Inside the box is an idol of Lord Ganesha, known as the destroyer of obstacles in Hindu mythology. The silver form of the idol was crafted by a family of fifth-generation silversmiths from Kolkata. The gift symbolizes the milestone of reaching 80 years and eight months, a significant age in Hindu culture. According to ancient Indian texts, an individual becomes ‘Drishta Sahasrachandro’ or the one who has seen one thousand full moons at this age.
The sandalwood box also holds importance in the context of President Biden’s age, which has been a matter of debate as his country heads towards the next presidential polls. By highlighting the traditional respect associated with a person’s experience, Modi’s gift acknowledges the value of wisdom and longevity.
In addition to the sandalwood box, Modi gifted a 7.5-carat lab-grown green diamond to First Lady Jill Biden. Manufactured in India, the diamond possesses the same chemical and optical properties as earth-mined diamonds. The use of eco-diversified resources like solar and wind power in its creation also adds to its eco-friendly appeal. The diamond represents responsible luxury and symbolizes India’s 75 years of freedom and sustainable international relations.
Another gift to President Biden holds significance due to his admiration for Irish poet William Butler Yeats. Biden has often quoted poetry by Yeats and referenced his writings in public speeches. Yeats had a deep admiration for India and was greatly influenced by Indian spirituality. He was known for his friendship with Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore and helped popularize Tagore’s work in the Western world.
To honor Biden’s fondness for Yeats, Modi gifted him a copy of the first edition print of ‘The Ten Principal Upanishads.’ This book, co-authored by Yeats and Shri Purohit Swami, contains their English translation of the Indian Upanishads. The collaboration between the two authors took place throughout the 1930s and was one of Yeats’ final works. The gift represents the strong connection between Yeats, Indian spirituality, and their shared admiration for Tagore.
In return, President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden presented Prime Minister Modi with a handmade, antique American book galley from the early 20th Century. They also gifted a vintage American camera, an archival facsimile print of George Eastman’s Patent of the first Kodak camera, a hardcover book on American wildlife photography, and a signed, first edition copy of ‘Collected Poems of Robert Frost.’
Modi’s visit to Washington comes after his participation in a historic event at the UN headquarters in New York to commemorate the International Day of Yoga. During his three-day official State visit to the US, he was invited by President Biden and the First Lady.
