What Unique Gift Did UP CM Yogi Adityanath Present to PM Modi in Varanasi?

Varanasi, Aug 2 (NationPress) On this propitious occasion of the Sawan (Shravan) month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi received an extraordinary gift from Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath during his visit to Varanasi. The present—a breathtaking ‘Shivling’ sculpture—highlights the rich cultural heritage of Kashi’s Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged crafts and carries profound spiritual significance.

This magnificent piece of art showcases a ‘Shivling’ positioned in an Argha (offering vessel), accompanied by a five-hooded serpent, the revered Nandi bull, a Trishul (trident), sacred Ganga water in a Kalash (pot), sandalwood ash, and Baba Vishwanath’s prasad. Crafted by the Kasera community of Varanasi, this masterpiece also features intricate Meenakari work by artisan Arun Kumar, with the overall creation credited to Raghunath Kasera.

Dr Rajni Kant, a Padma Shri awardee and GI expert overseeing the project, described the artwork as an exceptional blend of three distinct GI-tagged crafts: ‘Banaras Metal Repousse Craft,’ ‘Meenakari,’ and ‘Metal Casting.’ Standing at 18 inches tall and 15 inches wide, the sculpture serves as a magnificent tribute to the region’s artistic heritage.

In an interview with IANS, Dr Rajni Kant stated, “This special gift includes sacred elements like Gangajal, chandan prasad, and the trisul—it’s truly remarkable. I’m honored that PM Modi received this from CM Yogi Adityanath. The craft was created with immense dedication within a week.”

The Prime Minister expressed his appreciation for the cultural significance of the gift and reaffirmed his vision of promoting India’s rich local crafts on a global scale. He emphasized the importance of GI tags, stating these authentic local products preserve heritage and serve as India’s identity worldwide. He also highlighted other regional specialties, praising Kashi’s silk and Bhadohi’s carpets as exemplary of India’s ‘Local to Global’ journey.

Earlier that day, PM Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation for development projects totaling approximately Rs 2,200 crore in his parliamentary constituency, Varanasi. Among these initiatives, he released the 20th installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme, transferring Rs 21,000 crore directly into the accounts of over 9.7 crore farmers across India. The event also included the distribution of more than 7,400 assistive devices to ‘divyangjan’ (specially-abled) and elderly beneficiaries.

Opening his address with the chant 'Om Namah Parvati Pataye Har Har Mahadev,' PM Modi solemnly reflected on recent tragedies.

“Today, I have come to Kashi for the first time since ‘Operation Sindoor.’ On April 22, the brutal Pahalgam terror attack took 26 innocent lives. The grief of those children and women deeply affected me,” he said.

He added, “At that moment, I prayed to Baba Vishwanath for strength for the people to endure this pain. I promised my daughters I would seek justice for their ‘Sindoor.’ Today, with the blessings of Mahadev, that promise has been fulfilled. I dedicate the success of ‘Operation Sindoor’ at the feet of Mahadev.”