New Delhi, May 07: Narendra Modi on Thursday presented a curated collection of culturally significant gifts to To Lam during the Vietnamese leader’s three-day visit to India.
The gifts highlighted India’s spiritual heritage, traditional craftsmanship, and cultural diversity, and included the specially developed Namoh ‘108’ lotus, a handcrafted brass Buddha sculpture, and luxurious Banarasi silk fabric.
Namoh ‘108’ Lotus Symbolises Spiritual Harmony
One of the most unique gifts was the Namoh ‘108’ lotus, a special variety of India’s national flower developed by National Botanical Research Institute in Lucknow.
The lotus was designed with exactly 108 petals — a number considered sacred in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. The number holds significance in meditation traditions, sacred geography, and Vedic cosmology.
The flower’s name, “Namoh”, is derived from a Sanskrit term meaning salutation or obeisance, adding further spiritual symbolism to the gift.
Brass Buddha Sculpture from Moradabad
PM Modi also presented a handcrafted brass sculpture depicting Lord Buddha seated beneath a Bodhi tree canopy.
The sculpture portrays Buddha in the Abhaya Mudra, symbolising fearlessness and protection, while holding a bowl representing compassion and nourishment.
The gift held special significance as President To Lam had earlier visited Mahabodhi Temple during his India visit.
The artwork was crafted by artisans from Moradabad, a city globally recognised for its traditional brass craftsmanship and intricate metalwork.
Banarasi Silk Inspired by Indian and Vietnamese Traditions
Another key gift was premium silk fabric from Varanasi, known for its centuries-old textile and brocade traditions.
The fabric featured an elegant jacquard weave with floral and vine motifs and was specially designed to blend Indian and Vietnamese aesthetics. It was envisioned as suitable for crafting Vietnam’s traditional Ao dai attire.
Traditional Indian Delicacies Served During Visit
A specially curated menu featuring regional Indian delicacies was also served during President To Lam’s visit.
The menu included:
- Silao Khaja
- Gaya Anarsa
- Mithila Makhana
- Hajipur Malbhog Banana
- Ratnagiri Alphonso Mango
- Millet-based nutrition bars from Maharashtra
Several of these products, including Silao Khaja, Mithila Makhana, and Ratnagiri Alphonso mangoes, carry Geographical Indication (GI) tags recognising their unique regional identity and quality.
The inclusion of millet bars also highlighted India’s push towards climate-resilient agriculture and healthy traditional foods adapted for modern lifestyles.
