Not just Melody toffees: All about Muga Silk, Shirui Lily stole PM Modi gifted Giorgio Meloni

The internet may have been obsessed with the now-viral packet of Parle Melody caramels handed over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Italian Prime Minister Giorgio Meloni during his visit to Rome, but the diplomatic exchange involved a lot more than just a playful ‘Melody’ reference.

Behind the jovial moment on social media was a carefully crafted display of Indian cultural diplomacy, with Prime Minister Modi presenting a range of traditional Indian crafts, paintings, textiles and regional specialties to world leaders during his five-nation diplomatic tour.

From Assam’s famous Muga silk to Odisha’s intricate palm leaf art and Gujarat’s rare Rogan paintings, the gifts highlighted India’s regional diversity and craft traditions while symbolically linking them to the heritage and culture of the receiving countries.

Read also | PM Modi presents Melody toffees to Meloni during his visit to Italy | Watch

Muga silk and Shirui Lily Stole for Giorgio Meloni

Among the gifts given to Giorgia Meloni were two silk stoles deeply rooted in India’s northeastern cultural traditions.

One of these was the Muga Silk stole from Assam, often referred to as the “golden silk of the state”. Produced exclusively in the Brahmaputra Valley, Muga silk is known for its natural golden luster, durability and a sustainable manufacturing process that does not rely on artificial dyes.

Considered one of the strongest natural fibers in the world, silk is prized for becoming more lustrous over time while lasting for generations.

The second stole drew inspiration from the rare Shirui Lily flower of Manipur, found only on the Shirui Kashong Peak. The flower is considered a symbol of purity and pride by the Tangkhul Naga community.

Interestingly, lilies also have historical significance in Italian culture and Renaissance art, making the gift a subtle cultural bridge between India and Italy.

Read also | PM Modi and Italian President Mattarella discuss trade, investment and artificial intelligence

A replica of Tenzing Norgay’s ice ax for Iceland PM

Prime Minister Modi presented Icelandic Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir with a replica of the ice ax used by legendary mountaineer Tenzing Norgay during the first successful expedition to Mount Everest in 1953 alongside Sir Edmund Hillary.

Made of steel and polished wood, the replica symbolized the resilience, endurance and spirit of discovery associated with Himalayan mountaineering.

Bidri Vase For Denmark PM

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen received a Bidri silver work vase, a craft tradition associated with Hyderabad and the Deccan region.

Known for its fine silver inlay and intricate floral designs, Bidri art is considered one of India’s most refined metalwork traditions.

Read also | Rahul Gandhi slams Modi amid ‘Melody’ trend, warns of looming economic crisis

Pichwai painting for Finland PM

Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo was presented with a Kamal Talai Pichwai painting from the Rajasthani Nathdwara tradition.

Artworks featuring lotus-filled waters symbolized harmony, reflection and purity – themes that brought additional symbolism to Finland, often referred to as the “Land of a Thousand Lakes”.

Rogan painting and GI fruit for the President of the United Arab Emirates

For UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Prime Minister Modi selected Rogan’s ‘Tree of Life’ painting along with Kesar mango and Meghalaya pineapple.

Originating from the Kutch region of Gujarat, Rogan art is among India’s rarest textile art forms and is celebrated for its elaborate hand-painted details.

Kesar mango, a GI fruit from Gujarat, is known for its saffron-colored flesh and strong aroma, while Meghalaya pineapples are internationally known for their sweetness and low acidity.

Gond art and book for the Swedish Crown Princess

Crown Princess Victoria, Crown Princess of Sweden received a painting of Gond along with PM Modi’s book Convenient Action: Continuity for Change.

Gond art, practiced by the Gondi tribal communities of Madhya Pradesh, is known for its vibrant colors, intricate dotted patterns, and depictions of forests, animals, and ecosystems.

Shantiniketan Bag And Tagore Works for Swedish PM

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson received a collection of gifts including a handmade Shantiniketan bag, works by Rabindranath Tagore, Loktak tea and a pure Ladakh wool stole.

The gifts highlighted India’s literary heritage, sustainable craftsmanship and Himalayan textile traditions.

Orchid Art And Pattachitra For Norwegian Royal

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre received pressed pictures of orchids and orchid paperweights made from flowers from Sikkim.

Queen Sonja of Norway was gifted the Pattachitra Palm Leaf artwork from Odisha, which is known for its intricate carvings on modified palm leaves.

Meanwhile, Crown Prince Haakon, Crown Prince of Norway, received a Kalamkari painting with sun and moon motifs symbolizing cosmic balance.

Blue pottery, jewelery and Madhubani art for Dutch leaders

King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands received Jaipur Blue Pottery and Meenakari-Kundan earrings.

The Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Rob Jetten, received a Madhubani painting with a fish motif, a symbol commonly associated with prosperity and fertility in Mithila art traditions.

Marble insert for the Italian president

Italian President Sergio Mattarella received a marble inlaid work box inspired by the Pietra Dura artistic tradition historically associated with Mughal-era Florence and India.

The gift also included CDs by legendary Indian classical musicians Pandit Bhimsen Joshi and MS Subbulakshmi.

While the Melody toffee exchange may have dominated online meme culture, PM Modi’s wider choice of gifts reflected a larger diplomatic effort – using India’s regional arts, indigenous traditions and handmade heritage as tools of cultural connection on the global stage.